RFI 1 Response.pdf

RFI 1 9/27/2024

1. Section 08 80 00 – Glazing states under 1.1- A-1 “Replacement glass for curtain wall and canopy framing - if required”.

a. We do not see where it is stated that any glass is to be replaced. Please confirm that bid does not include any glass replacement at this time. If it does please clarify scope.

RESPONSE:

Section 08 80 00 – Glazing (Replacement glass):

• The glazing section does not explicitly state that glass must be replaced unless unforeseen damage occurs. However, if required, glazing must be replaced in accordance with the guidelines provided. Refer to spec section 08 44 13, Part 2, 2.1 – Scope of Renovations for existing.

Existing glazing removal:

• The glazing section confirms that existing glazing will be removed during the replacement of gaskets and reinstalled after the installation of new gaskets. Specifically, it is stated that the existing glazing will be removed to replace neoprene gaskets, and upon reinstallation, silicone sealant will be applied

• For other parts of the project, existing glazing will remain during certain phases such as sealant removal and reinstallation

Gasket and sealant replacement:

• The removal of existing glazing is linked to replacing gaskets, sealants, and any contaminants found in the glazing system.

• Snap caps and retainer clips will also be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled during this process

Reinstallation of glazing:

• Once removed, the glazing is to be reinstalled after cleaning, ensuring proper installation of gaskets and new silicone sealant. The documentation emphasizes ensuring a watertight seal during this process

Unit Pricing:

• The contractor is to provide unit pricing to replace windows if window seals are compromised. Per the pricing sheet, unit pricing shall be provided for each type of glazing on page A102: Ballistic, Safety, and Vision.

• Unit pricing should include sca olding to install the glazing

2. There are 2 metal framed skylight specifications 08 63 00 and 07 82 20C.

a. There is only 1 skylight we are aware of. Please clarify intent of 2 specifications.

RESPONSE:

1. Section 08 63 00 – Metal Framed Skylights:

b. This section covers the renovation of the glazed sloped aluminum skylight canopy system. It includes provisions for refinishing the canopy frame, replacing existing aluminum trim, and addressing existing gutters and grates.

c. 2. Section 07 82 20C – Metal Framed Skylight (Historical Reference):

d. This specification is not part of the current project. It is attached for reference only and refers to historical information on an entrance skylight from a prior project dated 1996

e. Intent of Two Specifications:

f. Section 08 63 00 is the active specification for the skylight renovation in this project.

Section 07 82 20C is included only as background information for bidders and does not apply to the current skylight renovation scope. Therefore, only one skylight specification is relevant, which is Section 08 63 00.

3. Please confirm that it is the intent that all existing glass will remain in the existing curtain wall and no glass is to be removed and reinstalled or removed and replaced.

See response to item #1.

4. Section 08 44 13 notes a 10 year warranty is to be provided. The contractor is not removing 100% of the existing curtain wall (glass remains). There are existing internal seals and gaskets that are not being replaced.

a. Glazing firms are not willing to provide a 10-year warranty on an existing system without knowing how it was constructed. This is one reason why project was unsuccessful in the past in receiving competitive bids. Please reduce warranty or clarify intent and how contractor will be held responsible.

RESPONSE: See response to item #1. Manufacturers should be provided the drawings documenting the existing construction. They should also attend a walkthrough where the conditions on reconfirmed to match the existing. The installation locations should be warranted per the ASTM requirements provided, which are the basis of Manufacturer’s warranty requirements. If they past the tests specified and per manufacturer requirements they should warranty the installation at the specified locations.

b. The only way a contractor will provide a 10 year warranty is to remove 100% of the glass and reinstall. Is that the intent?

RESPONSE: See response to item #1.

5. Section 08 44 13 – Aluminum Curtain Walls states under 1.7-A “Preconstruction Testing”. Please clarify what is to be included for this project.

RESPONSE:

1. Curtain Walls (Section 08 44 13)

• Delegated Design Requirement:

o The curtain wall system requires delegated design for structural performance, including the coordination of glazing, anchorage, and weatherproofing components.

The design must comply with ASTM C1401 for structural sealant glazing systems).

o Engineering Requirements: The contractor must ensure that the curtain wall system meets specified wind loads, water resistance, and air infiltration standards as outlined by ASTM E331 for water penetration and ASTM E283 for air leakage. The design must be able to withstand the specified load conditions of 75 mph wind and 20 psf pressure o Warranty Requirement: A 10-year warranty is required for the curtain wall system, covering failures such as structural integrity, water penetration, and deterioration of finishes

2. Skylights (Section 08 63 00)

• Delegated Design Requirement:

o The skylight system also requires delegated design for structural integrity, focusing on the sloped glazing assemblies. The design must comply with ASTM C1401 for sloped glazing assemblies.

• Engineering Requirements: Similar to the curtain walls, the skylights must be designed to meet water penetration and air infiltration standards as per ASTM E331 and ASTM E283.

Additionally, the system must resist the same wind load and pressure as the curtain wall system

• Warranty Requirement: A 10-year warranty is also required for the skylight system, covering failures in materials and workmanship, including issues like water penetration and metal deterioration

6. Section 08 44 13 – Aluminum Curtain Walls states under 3.6-A “Testing Agency”, that owner will engage a qualified testing agency to perform tests and inspections.

a. Please clarify what if any testing is to be included and paid by the contractor for any part of the project.

RESPONSE: Section 08 44 13 indicates that the Owner will engage a qualified testing agency for performing tests and inspections. The contractor does not need to pay for this unless otherwise specified .

7. Will contractor be required to provide any 3rd party engineering? If so please clarify.

RESPONSE: 1. Curtain Wall System (Section 08 44 13)

• Delegated Design Responsibility:

o The Contractor is responsible for the delegated design of the curtain wall system, which includes the structural integrity and performance of the glazing system.

o Engineering Requirements: The Contractor must ensure the curtain wall system complies with the specified performance requirements, including wind load resistance, water penetration (ASTM E331), and air leakage (ASTM E283) standards.

2. Skylight System (Section 08 63 00)

• Delegated Design Responsibility:

o Similar to the curtain wall, the Contractor is responsible for the delegated design of the skylight system. The design must account for the structural integrity and weatherproofing requirements.

o Engineering Requirements: The Contractor must ensure the skylight system meets the water penetration standards (ASTM E331) and withstands wind loads as specified

Engineering Involvement:

• In both cases (curtain wall and skylight), the Contractor is responsible for engaging qualified engineers to perform the delegated design work, ensuring compliance with the performance standards outlined in the specifications. The Owner will engage a third-party testing agency for certain testing aspects but the engineering of the systems remains under the Contractor's scope.

These sections provides clear guidance that the Contractor is responsible for the engineering and delegated design of both the curtain wall and skylight systems.

8. Will contractor be required to provide any delegated design. If so please clarify.

SEE RESPONSE TO ITEM 7.

9. Please clarify what if any 3rd party testing is to be provided by contractor.

RESPONSE:

Curtain Wall System:

• Section 08 44 13 – Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls:

o Owner Responsibility: The Owner will engage a qualified third-party testing agency to perform tests and inspections, specifically for water spray and air leakage tests on representative areas of the glazed aluminum curtain walls o The testing will include:

Water-Spray Test in accordance with AAMA 501.2.

Air Leakage Test in accordance with ASTM E783

2. Skylight System:

• Section 08 63 00 – Metal-Framed Skylights:

o Owner Responsibility: The Owner is also responsible for engaging a third-party testing agency for the skylight system, with field quality-control tests including water-spray and water penetration tests

In both systems, the Owner bears the responsibility for engaging and coordinating the third-party testing as outlined in the specifications. The contractor's role is to facilitate access and ensure the systems are prepared for these tests.

10. Please confirm that all work is to be priced during normal hours. If work is to be completed during o hours please specify exact work tasks to be performed during o hours.

All work to be performed during normal hours.

11. Please confirm that it is the intent that 100% of the work will be completed from the exterior of the building.

a. This assumes glass will remain.

There is interior work noted on the construction drawings to repaint window anchoring system – detail 1/A301.

12. Please confirm that if glass remains contractor will only be required to install an exterior enclosure and not an interior enclosure inside the building.

Since the glass is intended to remain, only an exterior enclosure is needed, not an interior one. This would be dependent on original system installation. Confirm with As-Builts & MFR system if glazing units were set from exterior.

13. An alternate price is requested for a “wet seal” repair option. We are unable to find any information in the bidding documents (project manual or drawings) that specifies exactly what is to be included in this alternate.

a. Is scope limited to replacing 100% of exterior sealants (metal-masonry and metal-glass metal-metal).

i. Please clarify scope and if possible provide repair details for all di erent conditions where sealant is to be installed. Specifically are you looking for sealant to be installed at areas where none currently exists such as snap cover splice joints and would this be preformed sealant?

RESPONSE:

Option 1 – Repair Without Glazing Removal (Includes Wet Seal Repair):

• This option includes removal and replacement of gaskets and exterior sealants without removing the glazing. The existing glazing will remain in place during the repairs of the curtain walls and skylight systems.

• Wet Seal Repair: This option includes the application of a wet seal to repair the exterior sealants around the glazing and metal joints. The wet seal repair addresses the sealants at metal-to-glass, metal-to-masonry, and metal-to-metal joints. This includes replacing existing exterior sealants where they have deteriorated.

• Relevant Specifications and Drawings:

o Section 08 44 13 – Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls: Specifies that the existing glazing remains in place during gasket and sealant replacement, which includes the application of wet seals o Drawing A501: Notes that wet seal repairs will be performed without removing the glazing

2. Option 2 – Repair With Glazing Removal and Reinstallation:

• This option involves removing the existing glazing to replace neoprene gaskets and reinstalling the glazing after repairs. It is more extensive and may be required for the skylights or certain sections of the curtain wall where sealants and gaskets cannot be replaced without removing the glazing.

• Wet Seal Repair: This option does not include the wet seal repair but focuses on replacing internal gaskets and seals that require glazing removal for proper installation.

• Relevant Specifications and Drawings:

o Section 08 63 00 – Metal-Framed Skylights: Specifies that the existing glazing is removed and reinstalled after neoprene gasket replacement.

o Drawing A503: Confirms the removal of existing glazing for gasket replacement tasks, but does not include wet seal

ii. Will there be a di ered scope required at the skylight vs curtain wall? If so please clarify.

RESPONSE:

1. Option 1 – Repair Without Glazing Removal (Includes Wet Seal Repair):

• Skylight System: This option does not apply to the skylight system, as the skylight system requires glazing removal to replace gaskets.

• Wet Seal Repair: The wet seal repair does not involve the removal of glazing and focuses on the exterior sealants. This option applies mainly to curtain wall systems where the glass remains in place, but wet sealant repairs are applied around the exterior joints of the glazing and framing

2. Option 2 – Repair With Glazing Removal and Reinstallation:

• Skylight System: This option applies to the skylight system. It involves removing the glazing, replacing neoprene gaskets, cleaning the surfaces, and reinstalling the glazing. This is required to address issues with the skylight’s sealing system.

• No Wet Seal Repair: This option is focused on more extensive repairs that include the removal and reinstallation of glazing rather than a simple application of wet sealant.

ii. Is any painting required? If so please clarify.

Section 08 63 00 – Metal-Framed Skylights:

• Painting is specified for existing composite steel beams and brackets. These components will be high-pressure washed or ground to near white, then primed and painted to match the existing finish

• Additional painting is required for aluminum cap flashing and snap caps, which must be replaced and painted to match the existing finishes

Section 08 44 13 – Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls:

• Painting may be required for some metal components of the curtain wall system, particularly where metal surfaces have been cleaned and treated. However, specific paint systems for the curtain wall metal elements are not explicitly detailed.

iii. Confirm all snap covers will remain.

Option 1 – Repair Without Glazing Removal (Snap Caps Reused):

• In this option, the snap caps remain in place during repairs, meaning they are removed, cleaned, and reinstalled without the need for glazing removal. This option includes replacing gaskets and applying sealants to improve the system's performance without fully removing the glazing.

• Reference: This information is detailed in Section 08 44 13 - Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls, where it specifies that snap caps will be removed and reused.

Option 2 – Repair With Glazing Removal (Snap Caps Replaced):

• In this option, the snap caps may be removed and replaced during the full removal and reinstallation of the glazing, especially if the system is extensively renovated. This option is typically applied where neoprene gaskets are being replaced and new glazing is reinstalled.

• Reference: This is outlined in Section 08 63 00 – Metal-Framed Skylights, where glazing removal and replacement, along with the snap caps, is part of the scope

iv. Is PMMA scope still part of this alternate?

RESPONSE: The PMMA scope is still part of the alternate

vi. Are stone repairs and cleaning still part of this scope?

14. Masonry patching detail is shown on 16/A503. Please clarify and quantify repair scope to be included.

a. It is not possible to perform a hands on survey to the façade. For bidding purposes an allowance needs to be established or scope clarified.

RESPONSE: The masonry patching detail shows stone repair, but a hands-on survey cannot be performed, so an allowance needs to be established.

(Allowance per unit cost)

15. Preconstruction testing is listed in 04 03 42. There is no replacement stone we are aware

of. What should be included?

RESPONSE: If replacement stone is need based on findings this is section is to be conformed with.

16. Please clarify what work items contractor is to include preconstruction testing on. This is extremely costly and time consuming. The majority seems to not apply. For bidding purposes please clarify.

RESPONSE:

Masonry Cleaning 04 01 11.

Stone Repair 04 03 42 – Stone Masonry replacement testing if required.

Decorative Metal Cleaning 05 01 70.51

Maintenance Repainting 09 01 90.52

Joint Sealants 07 92 00

Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls 08 44 13

17. Assuming glass is to remain please clarify if intent is that existing glass will need to be realigned in any way at all or if it will remain as-is currently in-place.

RESPONSE: Option 1 Wet Seal approach does not require glass realignment. For Option 2 where glass is to be removed and reinstalled alignment is required.2