Case Study: University of Houston MD Anderson Library

Preserving a Place of Knowledge: Critical Leak Repair at the University of Houston Library

Client: University of Houston, MD Anderson Library
Location: Houston, Texas
Challenge: The library was experiencing persistent water intrusion into third-floor conference rooms during rain events, risking damage to valuable assets and disrupting facility use.
Solution: A thorough investigation identified a failed expansion joint. SRWS executed a meticulous, multi-layer repair using a high-performance mastic and coating system to create a durable, watertight seal.
Services: Leak Investigation, Waterproofing, Expansion Joint Repair

Project Overview:

The MD Anderson Library is the heart of the University of Houston’s campus, housing invaluable collections and providing essential learning spaces. When persistent water leaks began to plague conference rooms on the third floor, finding a permanent solution was critical. Referred by a trusted contact at Rice University, Structure Roof & Wall Solutions was called upon to diagnose and resolve the complex issue.

Investigation and Diagnosis:

The SRWS team conducted a comprehensive inspection of the low-slope roof area above the affected rooms. Our investigation pinpointed the source of the leak: a critically deteriorated expansion joint located where an original section of the building met a newer addition. The combination of long-term sun exposure and Houston’s harsh climate had caused the existing caulking and sealants to crack and fail, allowing water to bypass the roofing system and penetrate the building’s interior. The adjacent stainless steel parapet cap was also identified as a contributing factor.

A Meticulous Repair Process:

To ensure a long-lasting solution, our team implemented a detailed, multi-step repair protocol focused on superior preparation and application:

  1. Surface Preparation: The entire area was first cleaned with a low-pressure wash to remove dirt and debris. All old, cracked, and failed caulking was then meticulously removed from the expansion joint.
  2. Adhesion Promotion: To guarantee a powerful bond to the metal parapet cap, the stainless steel surface was mechanically etched.
  3. Reinforced Sealing: A robust, flexible seal was initiated by applying a layer of high-grade Davlin Mastic reinforced with embedded polyester fabric over the prepared expansion joint.
  4. Multi-Layer Protection: The reinforced seal was then covered with two additional coats of Davlin Mastic, followed by a coat of Davlin Capseal, and finished with a final protective layer of Davlin 3800 topcoat. Each layer was applied after allowing for the manufacturer-specified drying time to ensure proper curing and maximum durability.

Outcome:

The meticulous and multi-layered repair executed by Structure Roof & Wall Solutions completely sealed the failed expansion joint and vulnerable parapet cap. The persistent leaks into the library’s conference rooms were eliminated, protecting the university’s valuable assets and restoring the full usability of the space. This project highlights SRWS’s expertise in diagnosing complex leak sources and executing precise, high-performance repairs that stand the test of time.