Cladding Failure Investigation and Repair

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When cladding panels were suddenly dislodged and fell from the top story of a Bay Area building, Estructure was called to investigate the cause of failure and develop repair measures. The panels, consisting of thin set brick veneer on stucco with wire lath stapled to wood studs, were determined to have been installed without adequate accommodation for thermal movement. Restraint caused panel bowing, which pulled supporting staples from the wood substrate. To eliminate the risk of future damage, all cladding was removed and replaced with proper substrate, connections and jointing. Estructure provided services throughout investigation, design and construction in collaboration with Tim Sheil, Architect, SGH (waterproofing consultants), and Tilton Pacific Contractors.