Scales Hall Leak Is Officially Repaired

Stains like this one, on the wall in one of the hallways, are reminders of the leak issues that have plagued Scales Hall for years.

Scales Hall has been the science building on campus since 1966.  It used to be loveable and leaky, but due to work done over the summer, the building is now only loveable.   The leak in Scales Hall has officially been sealed up.

“The leak was mostly a nuisance,” says Larry Garrett, vice president of financial administration.  “Computers would have to be covered up before each storm, some carpet had to be replaced, and chemicals in the lab would have to be very carefully stored so that water wouldn’t mix with them.”

This summer, Southwestern hired outside contractors to fix the doors, windows, roof, and even some of the concrete outside.  This expenditure cost a grand total of  $470,000, with a 20-year guarantee on the work that’s been done. New windows that have been installed are energy efficient, and the roof has been treated to reflect the sun.  That way the money spent will eventually pay itself back through a cheaper electricity bill, according to Garrett.

Not all of Scales Hall was affected by the leaks. Most problems were on the upper floor, in the chemistry lab, in the auditorium classroom, and in the hallway. Longtime resident Murray Cox, chair of the math/physical science department, says leaks didn’t really affect his office at all, but others had to deal with the inconvenience.

Unfortunately the leak has left its fingerprints all over Scales Hall.  Evidence of some water erosion is in the hallway, lab, and classroom.  The water stains are not exactly beautiful, but they are not causing any problems. Also, the water does not seem to have left any mold in the building.

“The only way we can be sure that Scales Hall is leakproof is to wait until it rains,” says Dale Hainey, director of physical plant. Fortunately, Hainey assures students, faculty and staff that if any leaks are found, they’ll be fixed as soon as possible.

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