The Lauren, A Condominium

As many of you are aware, a section of brick on the south side of the building buckled last week (Monday 4/19/10 to be specific). The location of the failure was between the first and second floor.

Fortunately it was first noticed by a Lauren owner who is an architect. In turn he notified building management and the Board of Directors. 

Arrangements were quickly made with our long time consulting professional engineers (Seal Engineering of Alexandria VA) to inspect and advise on an appropriate course of action. Said inspection was performed the following day (Tuesday 4/20/10). Seal made arrangements with a recommended contractor (Advanced Caulking) to remove the damaged section of brick, stabilize the area, and protect the exposed section from the elements which was also accomplished in an expeditious manner. 

Last Saturday (4/24/10) the protective tarp and wood framing were reinforced to withstand weather conditions. In light of the fact that the area will be promptly restored the scaffolding utilized in the removal has been left in place.

We are awaiting formal drawings from Seal as to the exact nature of the repairs they propose. They will most likely recommend the installation of a supporting angle iron in the vicinity of the first/second floor concrete platform (where the missing brick is). 

They may also recommend providing for expansion joints (brick, like all materials expands and contracts as the temperature changes and expansion joints would allow for this to occur with pliable materials as opposed to solid substances). There is a possibility that they will suggest additional remediation in other areas after a further detailed visual inspection is performed.

Based upon preliminary estimates and barring unforeseen delays including inclement weather we anticipate that the damaged area will be repaired by the end of this week.