Just don't blame the architect for any leaks. He's too broke to bear any legal expenses. And I'm sorry I won't be able to help with maintenance, but I hope y'all will excuse me because of the 600 miles of driving I'd have to do to be there. I can't picture the width of joints in the dome, but if they are greater than an eighth-inch or so, a backer rod should be used with a good quality sealant. Just filling gaps with a lot of sealant won't cut it. At least that's my professional advice. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the use of a backer rod, here's a link to a manufacturer with a couple of drawings: http://www.bestmaterials.com/Backer_Rod.aspx. Just scroll down past the good looking chic with the hardhat to get to the drawings. FWIW, that's just why I got into the construction industry - all the great looking young women one meets on construction sites. ;-) Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Wiggins Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 7:54 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Mars At least from my perspective, very high on the list of priorities is finding and sealing the leaks in the Refractor House dome. My thought is to have someone on the outside with a water hose spraying the exterior and others inside on ladders watching for the leaks. Once found, we remove the old sealant and fill the gap with new stuff. Once that's accomplished it'll be a quick and simple matter to get the refractor reinstalled and operational. Additional things include getting the Lunar Quadrant charts (which Mark so generously framed) hung along with Kelly Rick's donated plaque. patrick