Capitol Building repairs, cleaning begin Sept. 2

Work begins next week on phase three of the sandstone preservation, cleaning and exterior leak repairs of the Legislative (Capitol) Building.

In this phase of work the contractor — Western Waterproofing Co. of Renton — will repair and repoint mortar joints around the four mini-domes and other areas below the main dome.

The contractor will remove pavers on the exterior plaza near the north stairs to repair or replace drain assemblies and install weatherproofing.

In addition, the contractor will clean portions of the building exterior. Due to budget limitations, there may be some sections of the building that are not addressed during this project.

The work is needed because water has been leaking into the building through deteriorated stone, mortar, sealants and aging roofing systems, causing expensive structural and interior damage to the building.

Cleaning, sealing, re-pointing, and roof maintenance will prevent further damage caused by leaks, minimize the growth of damaging moss and lichens and extend the life of the building.

General construction noise, especially from special saws used to grind out mortar, will be the primary impact to the building's tenants and visitors. There will be truck traffic on Pleasant Lane, the narrow roadway between the Legislative Building and the Governor's mansion.

The project is scheduled to be completed by November 2014.

The first two phases of the project, completed in 2012 and 2013, cleaned and repaired mortar on the upper two-thirds of the building, as well as cleaning, repairs and installation of weatherproofing at the north stairs.

The cleaning and repairs will be done using the gentlest means possible to protect the historic sandstone, and to keep the 85-five-year-old building beautiful and functional for future generations.

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