Fort Leavenworth Library Skylight Renovation

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Built in the 1880s, the Combined Arms Research Library (CARL) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas is a United States Army library that supports the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Its collection of over 300,000 books covers all aspects of military science: joint and combined operations; tactics and doctrinal development; leadership, intelligence, weapons, equipment, and training. The Archives and Special Collections house a unique collection of over 200,000 items and the documents collection consists of another 250,000.

The glass octagon skylight, 13 foot on each side, has an unknow age but was coated with a “tint” approximately five years ago with the goal to cut heat gain and to reduce UV damage to the library’s collections.

Unfortunately, that film has failed miserably. We will replace the old glass with modern low E3 glass for improved energy efficiency, UV ray reduction and clarity.

An image of the failed "tint" on the exterior of the skylight.
The failed “tint” is readily apparent.
An image of the failed "tint" from the interior of the skylight.
The ‘tint” is unsightly, to say the least.

The set up:

There is a considerable amount of work that goes into the project before replacing the first insulated glass unit (IGU) in the skylight. It starts with putting up safety barriers to protect everyone from possible falling objects

Then it’s getting crates of glass and tools up onto the roof by crane. In this case, there are eight crates of glass that are distribute around the octagon skylight.

An image of the safety fencing to protect visitors,
The interior is fenced off for protection from debris.
An image of the crane lifting a crate of glass to the roof.
Glass crate is being lifted to the roof.
An image of three crates of glass.
The glass crates are distributed around the skylight.

Setting glass.

The coating that was added to control heat gain must be removed so the suction cup lifting device creates a good seal. These lifters use a battery powered vacuum pump to maintain the connection—a very important safety feature.

The crane lifts the existing glass out of the skylight frame and sets it down then picks up a new glass unit and maneuvers it into place. This requires a great deal of precision and skill.

At the end of the day, the skylight is weatherproofed with a tarp.

An image of the film removed from the glass.
Areas must be cleared to ensure suction cup adhesion,
Suction cups are attached to a glass unit prior to lifting it from the skylight.
Preparing to lift a glass unit from the skylight.
An image of the suction cup fixture attached to a pane of glass.
The glass will be placed in position using a crane,
A new glass unit is lifted by the crane.
Picking up a glass unit to place in the skylight.
The crew is setting a new piece of glass in the skylight.
Setting the glass unit in the skylight.
The skylight is covered with tarps overnight.
The skylight is covered with tarps overnight.

The pyramid skylight.

Masking tape outlines the glass units
Masking tape is used to create a uniform brad of silicone sealant.
An image of the completed skylight.
The completed skylight and a clean area.
A view of the peak of the skylight.
A unique perspective!
A clear sky view and the eight murals mounted in the skylight shaft.
The eight murals mounted in the shaft is unique!
A clear sky view from the library's interior.
A gorgeous view of the sky.

Product used:

32 Insulated Glass Units of Solarban ® 60 Solar Control Low‑E Glass

Data Sheet

DOWSIL™ 795 Silicone Building Sealant

A one-component, neutral-curing, medium modulus silicone sealant intended for weatherseal and structural applications with excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials, including glass, metal and aluminum.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Dowsil 795 Data

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