Oregon Caves Historic Structures Report

PART V
Interior Assessment and Recommendations (continued)

Attic Space

The main attic space.

There are a number of attic spaces in the Chateau due to its complex roof forms. Lower attics are accessible through small doors in the ends of the sixth floor hallway, doors in rooms 305 and 311, and also through the bath rooms in rooms 305, 311, and 312. The main attic above the sixth floor ceiling is accessible through either of two hatches in the hallway ceiling. The hatches are recessed in the ceiling, and have the appearance of multi-pane skylights. However, the top side of the hatches are covered with plywood painted a dark gray so that the attic is not visible from the hall. The hatches have no hinge or latch mechanism, and must be lifted off of the frame and slid into the attic space for access. An electrical conduit just west of the hatch openings has caused abrasion damage and marring on the underside of the hatch, as it gets slid over the conduit and out of the way.

The roof framing and ceiling structure of the sixth floor are visible in the main attic. The rafters are full dimension 2" x 6" rough cut lumber, 24" on center. The rafters meet at the ridge, and there is no ridge member. The joists are 2" x 6" lumber as well, but spaced at 16" on center. The gaps between the joists have been filled with R-19 fiberglass insulation to hold the heat in the building.

The south attic hatch.

Roof access hatch wired to sprinkler.

Two small dormers project from the east and west sides of the main attic space. These are framed with modern 2" x 4" planed lumber, and were added with the sprinkler system in 1950. The east dormer houses a loudspeaker, and the west dormer houses a large floodlight. The openings in the dormers are louvered panels, without screens.

The ends of the main gable have triangular openings, also covered with louvered panels. Wasp nests on the rafters and sheathing are apparent at both the north and south ends of the building, as the insects are able to enter the attic space through the louvered panels.

The lower attic spaces are constructed in the same fashion, but meet vertical wall surfaces. The diagonal members are tied into the wall studs. Where the main attic space lacks flooring, the lower attics accessed from the small doors in the sixth floor hallway have rough lumber serving as a floor surface, allowing storage within the spaces. All of the attic spaces are dry, and show no signs of water infiltration.

Recommendations for Treatment: Attic Spaces

The main danger to the attic spaces is water infiltration that can weaken the roof structure. The space is dry, even though the roof is in need of repair. The recommendations for the attic spaces are as follows:

• Place screening over the louvered vents in the small dormers and gable ends to prevent insects from entering the building and constructing nests.

• Develop a hinge system for the main attic hatches. The hatches, especially the one at the south end of the hall, are being marred by the conduit near the opening. Hinging the hatches would protect the historic fabric and reduce the likelihood of accidental damage to the hatch cover.

orca/hsr/hsr5e.htm
Last Updated: 22-Sep-2001