Revitalizing an icon

By Sika Corporation. 

An ambitious, record-breaking solution to a towering architectural challenge. 

Picture this: a convention center atrium, iconic skylights towering 90 feet high, built as a beacon of renewal for Atlantic City, New Jersey. But decades later, nature's wear has turned this architectural marvel into a sieve, with water pouring in each time the skies open up. No patchwork solution could hold, and full replacement was financially out of reach. Enter Sika Corporation with an ambitious alternative — one that would set a global record and restore both function and form to this essential civic landmark. Here's how innovation, precision and Sikalastic® Clearglaze breathed new life into a modern icon. 

Unique problem 

The center was built as part of the city’s redevelopment plan and through time and exposure to the elements this natural light source turned into a colander for Mother Nature. The skylights were leaking in a multitude of locations requiring the plaza areas inside the building to be lined with barrels to catch seeping water either from rain or melting snow. Many different products and means of repair were used to try to keep the leaking at bay; none of the attempts worked as a long-term solution. Developing the plans for a major renovation and possible replacement of the skylights proved to be more costly than could be financially prudent. Sika was brought in as the answer to solving the leaking problem and keeping within the restoration budget. 

Project solution 

Sikalastic® Clearglaze is a single component polycarbonate aliphatic polyurethane-based sealer. Through a stepped procedure of installment which includes Sikalastic® resin and reinforcement for the skylight supports, this sealer allows natural light to still come through the original glass, at less than 5% light loss that is undetectable to the human eye. Other benefits include tempering the heat penetration, sealing any cracks and making the glass shatter resistant. For your next plan to replace costly aging skylights, reconsider and use the only skylight restoration of its kind as part of a Sikalastic® roofing/waterproofing system. 

Products used: 

• Sikalastic® Clearglaze 
• Sikalastic® 621 TC 
• Sikalastic® EP Primer/Sealer 
• Sika® Reemat Premium 
• Sika® 11FC 

Project participants: 

• Sika corporation: David Steinberg Technical Sales Rep, Andrew Marengo & Chris Oler Technical Field Services Reps 
• Roof consultant: Amtech Solutions, Inc. 
• Contractor: MPG 

Original article and photo source: Sika Corporation