Yes, that’s right kids, the same contractor and siding installer is having all kinds of fun with their handy work over in Minneapolis. Notice the images below? Looks like their famous ‘design feature’ is popular, unless you use it outdoors.
Both moisture and wind have previously caused trouble for the $1.1 billion building that opened in August. The zinc panels on the exterior have been the focus of a couple of concerns on the building.
Thousands of zinc panels line the exterior of the building. They are 12 inches high and range in length from 6 to 12 feet.
Initially, the panels were only bolted down along the bottom edge. After heavy storms last summer, some panels came loose and flapped in the wind. Mortenson workers then reinforced the panels along the top edge so they wouldn’t stay down.
The movement of the panels was attributed at the time to unexpectedly strong wind pressure on certain angles of the building.
In an unrelated problem, Mortenson had to remove and reinstall some of the rectangular zinc panels to access and replace a faulty moisture barrier on the building. More than a year ago, workers noticed dampness on a parapet wall and pooling of water in a gutter.
Mortenson executive John Wood said the replacement of the barrier was expected to cost the company up to $4 million.
And what did we do with our settlement money? We bought beer coolers.
UPDATE: Only minutes after I post the story above, the AL reports the same to the sister building right here in Sioux Falls;
Strong winds Sunday night caused part of the soffit on the building’s north side to peel off. Wind gusts reached up to 55 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
I think it is time to take former councilor Jamison’s idea and start peeling back the siding in certain spots and taking a look of what is underneath. Of course, we may have to hold back on the new beer coolers.
From Cameraman Bruce:Â The panels were installed on light gauge 2 x 4 metal studs with maybe light sheet metal screws. The weight of the soffit metal panels was whipped up and down during the storm breaking the sheet metal screws, thus releasing the framing. This is on the north Side between dock doors and west door.
BTW, look at the insulation laid in the framing. Looking up in the hole I did not see where there was much other insulation or ways to hold it up. You can see the sheetrock for third floor?
What I don’t understand is how does soffit come loose that is hidden underneath a concrete barrier from wind? The only time I have seen soffit come loose like that in the construction business is when there is water damage from above causing pressure on the soffit to come loose. Be interesting to see how the city covers this one up.
The one day I do not drive through the parking lot and look what I missed, I’m bummed…
I do know the siding is taking on a really sad look as the oozing continues on the seams. When the mayor had me put in jail as a way to keep the siding issues quiet, we still offered what would happen in a heavy wind and rain.
When you look close at the Argus Leader photo you will see how the insulation and Tyvek are hanging out. Go back, listen to Dan Daily’s testimony in front of the City Council, my inputs covering the subject and then look at our video to see how crappy the siding was installed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtwn6I2270A
or the playlist of videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtwn6I2270A&list=PLBkcje2tWnPVoN8N04QR1DXA_XlFZEN4M
We will have more soon.
How about the “John Morrell Arena,” I mean the Sioux Falls Arena, I trust it is still standing strong, huh?
Perhaps, Hultgrens would like to bid on the repairs for the Events Center?
I have an idea, perhaps, we could sell more signage rights for the Events Center and just place these new signs wherever there is faulty siding….?
$100 million dollar building that is 2 years old, and they blame wind. Guess how many siding pieces blew off my 127 year old house this weekend? Zero.
Maybe we just need to get with it, I mean, perhaps the Events Center and its construction is merely an example of what economist call “planned obsolescence,” an intent or concept which is justified through how it further stimulates the economy with continual repairs and construction…. Yeah, that’s how we will spin it….
I warned people it would be a Pavilion Part II but on a larger scale.
scott or bruce – is that insulation?
If you drive in back of Menard’s they got this bargain area where the siding is like $2 a piece.
After Sunday, I’m surprised. Damage is minimal. 70 mph winds is a hurricane. Mike got lucky. Optimistically, when it flies apart it’ll land on a wicked witch or a corrupt mayor.
wait for the vikings stadium to come crashing down like the vikings season. mortenson only put a two year warranty on it. i’d guess the event center is already out of the warranty period.
my patio chairs on the north side of the house didn’t even blow away in the wind on sunday.
It’s good there’s no wind in DC. Melania would blow out to sea.
somebody better get it nailed together before the barn swallows get back