Restoration Update

July 2002

Paint Testing

Fallingwater is in the midst of application of different paint systems for our exterior paint testing program. In contrast to the rough stonework, the reinforced concrete surfaces have a plasticity that is both soft and warm. These concrete surfaces are covered with a stucco-like concrete (commonly referred to as the plaster coat), and then painted an ochre color reminiscent of the “sere” or dying rhododendron leaf. Especially on the horizontal surfaces, the current paint is delaminating and is generally not adhering well. On both horizontal and vertical surfaces, there is microbial growth and efflorescence is becoming a problem.

The testing area is at the Guest House Canopy facing south, which includes both parapets and horizontal surfaces. We tried to choose a location that will cause the least amount of impact on tours that still allow us a full assessment. 2' x 2' areas are marked off and both horizontal and vertical surfaces are being tested. Weather permitting, the final application of paint systems will be applied the week of June 10, 2002. After all the systems are applied, the temporary shelter will be removed and the application areas will be assessed in September and March.

Text Box: Second coat of paint on Guest House Canopy—May 2002

Re-roofing flat roofs

A major issue facing Fallingwater is moisture -- it’s a serious problem that rivals our structural challenges in its importance. Inside the house, this on-going problem is responsible for warped doors, peeling paint, stains and cracks on the walls. Principal points of moisture entry are defective or missing waterproofing and flashing elements (at roofs, terraces, skylights and windows).

Text Box: Second ply of Siplast on Herb Terrace Roof—May 2002 To remedy this, Wank Adams Slavin Associates (WASA), a New York architecture firm, proposed different waterproofing and roofing systems at different locations of the house. Work is nearing completion on the Guest House Roof, Servant’s Quarters Roof, and Herb Terrace Roof. For these areas, WASA designed a Siplast system to incorporate three layers of defense against water penetration. Gravel is currently being loose laid over the finished membrane system and copper cap flashing is being installed.

Waterproofing of Terraces

The Herb Terrace and Servants Quarters Terrace are currently receiving new waterproofing systems. Once Fallingwater maintenance catalogs and removes the stones, an asphalt-modified urethane coating is applied over the concrete slab. After the material has set, two plies of a modified asphalt membrane (with 3 plys of liquid membrane) are laid and a followed by a drainage mat. The drainage mat acts as both a protection for the membranes and a way to direct water to the drains.

Text Box: Leveling drain on Herb Terrace—May 2002 The paving stones are then reinstalled in a setting bed of 1 part Portland cement to 13 parts sand. The joints in the paving stones are mortared with a mix comprised of 1 part cement and 3 parts sand. Copper flashing is located between the vertical walls and the paving stones.