Restoration Engineering, Inc. performs investigation, design, and contract administration services for all types of work, including: low slope roofing, steep slope roofing, waterproofing, facades, structural repairs, concrete frame and balconies, and windows.

We specify maintenance and repairs to existing low slope roofing systems if the repairs are cost effective, extend the roofing service life to at least five years and reliably eliminate existing roof leaks. Otherwise, or at the request of our clients, we specify complete removal of the existing roofing systems down to the structural decks, and installation of new roofing systems.

We specify maintenance and repairs to existing facade systems if the repairs are cost effective and reliably eliminate leaks. Where facade systems are inappropriate or costly to maintain, we specify alternate replacement facade systems.

We design new structural members and inspect existing structural members and structural systems in general to determine their load carrying capacity. We work closely with clients and other design professionals to design structural members for new construction and modifications to existing structures. For existing structures typically damaged by moisture infiltration or termites, we specify repairs to damaged structural members and installation of additional members to support increased loading.

We specify repairs to concrete balconies, slabs, framing and parking garages damaged by loading and moisture penetration. Specifications include repairs and preparation of reinforcing steel, replacement of failed concrete and installation of coating systems to help protect the concrete and reinforcing steel.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy joint program, Energy Star, and The United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system have been established to reduce energy costs and protect the environment with regard to building construction. Buildings with cumulative scores of at least 26 points over several categories can be LEED certified, and higher scores can achieve the Silver, Gold and Platinum certification levels. By specifying energy efficient and environmentally friendly roofing systems, we can help our clients save money at the very least, and possibly certify their properties with USGBC.

For example, by simply applying an Energy Star coating to the surface of a roofing membrane, the heat island effect can be reduced to "minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat (LEED for New Construction Version 2.2). This practice will earn 1 point toward a building's LEED certification.

Installing a Green or Garden Roof over at least 50 percent of a building's roof area will score in several categories including: storm water management; reducing the heat island effect; use of recycled material; use of water efficient landscaping; and use of local/regional materials. This type of system can earn more than 10 points toward a building's LEED certification. Other benefits include: increasing property values; reducing energy costs; increasing roof service life; receiving tax benefits; increasing usable space; improving air quality; and reducing noise pollution.

We specify replacement of window and sliding glass door systems where existing systems have failed or cannot withstand the elements. We mostly specify replacement of windows in coastal environments because the older windows typically leak during heavy rain storms accompanied by high winds that are common for these areas. We also specify repairs to existing wood windows on historic buildings.

Over steel, wood, gypsum, tectum and lightweight concrete roof decks, we specify time-proven, conventional roofing systems with asphalt built-up roofing membranes. The roofing membranes are typically installed over rigid board roofing insulation (sloped to drain if required) and covered with aggregate surfacing. At the request of our clients, we specify LEED and Energy Star compliant roofing coatings in lieu of aggregate surfacing. Unlike most other architects and engineers, we design ALL roof flashings and accessories to remain watertight throughout the life of the roofing membrane.

Over structural concrete roof decks, we specify hot-applied, reinforced, rubberized asphalt roofing membranes in a protected roof membrane assembly (PRMA). The roofing membranes are installed directly on the deck and typically covered with rigid board roofing insulation and stone ballast or concrete pavers. At the request of our clients, we specify LEED compliant Green or Garden Roofs by including soil and plantings in lieu of the stone ballast and concrete pavers. Again, we design all roof flashings and accessories to remain watertight throughout the life of the roofing membrane.

We specify modified bitumen, EPDM and other single-ply roofing systems only where roof areas are small, inaccessible, require greater chemical resistance, or as requested by our clients.

We specify maintenance and repairs to existing steep slope roofing systems if the repairs are cost effective, extend the roofing service life to at least five years and reliably eliminate existing roof leaks. Otherwise, or at the request of our clients, we specify complete removal of the existing roofing systems down to the structural decks, and installation of new roofing systems. For steep sloped roofing, we specify installation of: traditional underlayment; self-adhering sheet membrane underlayment/ice dam protection; asphalt, slate, cedar, and clay tile shingle roofing; and various types of sheet metal roofing. Unlike most other architects and engineers, we design all roof flashings and accessories to remain watertight throughout the life of the roofing system.

We specify maintenance and repairs to existing balcony, garage, terrace and foundation waterproofing systems if the repairs are cost effective, extend the service life to at least five years and reliably eliminate moisture penetration and leaks. For concrete balconies and garage, we specify elastomeric traffic coatings. For terraces and below grade foundation walls, we recommend removing the overburden or excavating soil to access the waterproofing for repair or replacement. We specify rubberized asphalt waterproofing, either in hot-applied or self-adhering sheet form, over all types of substrates including concrete, concrete block and stone. We do not recommend eliminating leaks by applying any material to the inside of the building.

We typically specify repairs to brick, block and stone masonry building facades. We consider these types of veneers good rain screens as long as the masonry units, mortar joints and sealant joints are sound, and proper flashings are installed. Specifications generally include: replacement of cracked, damaged or deteriorated masonry units; repointing of cracked or deteriorated mortar joints; replacement of failed sealant at expansion joints and around penetrations; and installation of through-wall flashing at floor levels, window and door heads and window sills.

We typically specify repairs and evocating existing cementitious stucco systems where damage is minor and repairs will reliably eliminate facade leaks. We specify installation of EIFS for new construction over masonry back-up walls, or to cover existing facade systems that have failed. Most cementitious stucco systems on older buildings have been neglected for some time resulting in significant repairs to restore the systems to a watertight condition. In these instances, we have found that installation of a drainable EIFS system over the failed stucco provides a similar finished appearance, while eliminating expensive stucco repair work and reducing future maintenance and energy costs. Specifications generally include: felt and self-adhering sheet membrane underlayments; drainable insulation board; elastomeric coating; sealant; and new flashings at floor levels, window and door heads, and window sills.

Due to the relatively low cost of siding systems, we typically do not recommend repairs. We specify installation of: traditional underlayment; self-adhering sheet membrane underlayment; wood, vinyl and cement board siding; and associated sheet metal flashings.