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Wildwood approves copper gutters for City Hall to stop leaks; contractor to begin work as soon as weather permits
Summary
The Architecture Review Board approved moving forward with copper gutter installation by Leak Stoppers LLC to address recurring water infiltration at Wildwood City Hall dormers. Staff said the council had already authorized the contract and the work is urgent to prevent further interior damage.
The Wildwood Architecture Review Board on Feb. 13 approved a plan to install copper gutters on three dormers of Wildwood City Hall to stop recurring water infiltration that staff said is damaging interior spaces and mechanical equipment.
City administrator Tom Lee explained that pooled water on flatter dormer roofs has been entering air‑intake openings and window sills, causing leaks in the second floor and damage to a kitchen area. The department received bids and presented copper and aluminum options; the City Council previously favored copper to match existing gutters and to avoid galvanic corrosion when aluminum and copper are paired.
Josh Donahue of Leak Stoppers LLC described the proposed materials and installation. Staff said the specification calls for 16‑ounce copper and 6‑inch round downspouts to match the existing system. Donahue told the board that newly installed copper will appear bright initially but typically patinas to the older brown color within months in Midwestern weather.
Board members and staff discussed temporary measures to protect interior spaces while work is scheduled. Staff said the city administrator has authority to order temporary tarps if necessary but warned that tarps must be fastened carefully to avoid further roof damage. Donahue said his crew could install tarps or take other temporary measures but cautioned that improper fastening under clay tiles can cause additional damage.
The board voted to approve proceeding with the council‑authorized contract with Leak Stoppers LLC to install copper gutters and to begin the most urgent repair first. Donahue said his company would aim to begin work within about two weeks, weather permitting. The board recorded a motion and a second (Member Parsons), and the motion carried; one board member registered a nay during the roll call.
Staff said the work is intended to route water away from the dormer faces into existing drainage paths and the nearby rain garden, reducing the risk of further mold, interior deterioration and HVAC contamination. If leaks persist after gutter installation, staff said more extensive repairs — including dormer reconstruction — could be considered.
