Roof‐System Replacement on Sports Arena

Abstract

A unique structural system was constructed to enclose an existing football stadium at the University of Idaho, Moscow. Shortly after completion the roof began to leak, allowing the establishment of a serious strength‐reducing decay fungus in the structural wood components. This paper reviews the initial attempts to correct the leakage, the problems associated with determining the cause, and the subsequent replacement of the entire 4 acres (1.62 ha) of roof covering. The actual cause of the roof's failure to keep out water was never determined, though the new roof was designed to correct either a condensation problem or a point‐source leak in the exterior membrane. The initial cost of construction was $4,160,000, and an additional $2,120,000 was spent to replace the roof. The high cost for replacement of the unsatisfactory roof system illustrates the need to include an inspection or monitoring program for facilities that utilize new methods of construction or untested materials.