DOME ROOF REPAIR - PALOMAR COLLEGE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Building Name: Dome Gymnasium

Building Location: Palomar College, San Marcos, California, United States

Project Size (ft2, m2): 42,560 sqft

Building Type: Educational/ Gymnasium

Project Type: Historic geodesic dome ie: New Construction/Addition Maintenance & Repairs

Delivery Method: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

Total Building Costs: Approximately $886,590

Owner: Palomar College

DESCRIPTION

The Geodesic Dome Gymnasium at Palomar College, more commonly known as "The Dome," is San Diego County's oldest community college. The gymnasium features a Buckminster Fuller designed hemispherical thin-shell dome composed of aluminum alloy geodesics and currently houses Palomar College’s Indoor Athletic facilities courts.

Goals

Being a historic building, the Dome roof had been leaking off and on since the late 1990’s. Palomar College’s  goal was to eliminate current leakage and prevent future leaks without damaging or altering the geodesic structure. Palomar also wanted the repairs made to endure for the rest of the building’s lifespan.

In addition, Palomar required a roofing product that could expand and contract with the structure across various materials, pass all California VOC requirements and have a market competitive 20-year warranty.

PROCESS

OVERVIEW

After attempting to bid out the project multiple times, KYA stepped in and utilized a contract from the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) CollegeBuys contract to move forward with fixing Palomar’s dome.

To ensure a smooth communication process, KYA worked closely with Palomar’s Customer Management Team to clarify their standards of reporting prior to the commencement of the project. KYA then facilitated the process of repairs from securing a purchase order via contract, evaluating local partners, scheduling jobs, managing project timelines and providing status updates as well as projected schedules.

Together with Palomar’s selected subcontractor, not only was Palomar’s 42,000 square foot dome cleaned, but also the splits and blisters were repaired before installing a liquid membrane urethane roof system.

CONSTRUCTION

PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS

For this project, KYA developed a distinctive Fluid Applied Roof (FAR) system specifically formulated to address leaks and restoration of the dome while also meeting California’s stringent VOC requirements. The FAR Substrate, a cured coating, was then applied to form a permeable membrane that prevents liquid infiltration but allows moisture vapor to vent. Metal flashings, covers on vents and other items received waterproofing sealants and repairs before the coating system began.

Additionally, the product accommodate expansion and contraction across various materials and offered a 20-year warranty to meet market standards.

PROJECT RESULTS

The client was ecstatic about how quickly KYA completed the project and the quality of the results. The Dome’s water intrusion and leakage problem that caused damage for over 20 years was finally resolved.