Joseph M. Zale

Experience

Since joining WJE in 2004, Joseph Zale has investigated hundreds of buildings across the United States and internationally. Mr. Zale has focused on the integration of various facade, roofing, and waterproofing systems. He has been involved in the restoration of buildings ranging from historic churches to contemporary high-rises. His projects have assessed a variety of materials, including brick masonry, terra cotta, stone, roofing and waterproofing, and fenestration systems. Mr. Zale has managed large-scale projects with staff from several WJE offices that consist of investigation, repair design, and construction administration services related to masonry restoration, full and partial facade recladding, roof replacement, and window replacement as well as peer reviews for new construction.

Mr. Zale has conducted numerous water leakage investigations and evaluated moisture problems caused by air infiltration. He has performed and supervised testing of facade cladding and roofing systems based on standards developed by ASTM International and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association as well as modified procedures developed for specific projects.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Building Enclosure Consulting

• 135 Bishopsgate - London, UK: Evaluation and repair strategy consulting for the thirteen-story contemporary office related to the thin-stone granite facade, fenestration, and protected membrane terrace waterproofing
• U.S. Embassies - Various Locations Worldwide: Facade and roof system peer review consulting services with site visits for quality assurance and troubleshooting

 

Historic Preservation

• Fulton County Courthouse - Atlanta, GA: Investigation and roof replacement design of the historic slate roofing with copper transition detailing elements
• Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL: Design of a unique fluid-applied built-in gutter liner integrated with the existing roofing and new copper cladding to mimic original aesthetic detailing features
   

Masonry Restoration

• Dix Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant - Bergin, KY: Restoration of an historic 1920s, steel-framed brick and cast stone masonry structure with single-pane windows
• St. Mary of the Angels Church - Chicago, IL: Phased restoration of the church dome and bell towers with dome reclad design of terra cotta ribs and roof tiles with concealed waterproofing to improve functionality
• The Clark-Adams - Chicago, IL: Ongoing involvement in the phased restoration of an historic forty-one-story Daniel Burnham building with brick masonry, terra cotta, and cast stone facade and embedded steel structure

 

Repair and Rehabilitation Design

• 977 N. Broadway - Los Angeles, CA: Roofing replacement design, facade feasibility study of the exposed aggregate unitized wall panels, and facade overcladding design
• San Bernardino Government Center - San Bernardino, CA: Leakage investigation and waterproofing replacement design of metal panel barrel roofing, precast concrete, and below-grade waterproofing systems

 

Roofing and Waterproofing

• Shure Headquarters - Niles, IL: Roofing replacement design for a modified bitumen roof system that integrates with a unique barrel vault skylight
• Superior Court of California - Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Leakage investigation and replacement design for the metal panel barrel and membrane roofing together with sloped glazing repairs
• Time-Life Building - Chicago, IL: Roofing replacement design and construction period services with special considerations for lightweight insulating concrete topping slab

 

Water/Air Leakage Assessment

• LAX Delta Hangar - Los Angeles, CA: Leakage investigation of the metal panel facade and roofing systems focusing on integration details to troubleshoot leakage problems
• Riverplace - Minneapolis, MN: Large-scale water leakage investigation of the four-building office complex evaluating masonry, fenestration, and waterproofing systems

Professional Affiliations

International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)
Sealant, Waterproofing and Restoration Institute (SWRI)

Registrations

Architect in IL
Registered Roof Observer

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science, Architectural Studies, 2001
Master of Architecture, Structures Option, 2004