Assembly hears request for change order to address Main Elementary roof deterioration

Staff briefed the assembly on a requested contract change order for the Main Elementary School roof replacement, citing damage from pressure washing and long-term deterioration of wooden shingles.

The presentation described field observations that showed moss damage and localized soft areas. Staff recommended designing a replacement roof with architectural asphalt shingles (50-year rated product) rather than metal roofing because saltwater exposure and fastener corrosion have caused problems on other local metal roofs. The requested change order of about $64,560 covers design and construction-administration services so the project can be put out to bid with a full package.

Assemblymembers asked about warranty and material choices. Staff said certain metal systems and high-end manufacturers can perform in marine environments, but installation details and exposed cut edges and fasteners create corrosion risks; staff favored a long-life asphalt shingle as the most reliable choice for the island environment. Staff also said the contractor that performed a prior pressure-washing job is no longer local and that the earlier approach (water blasting cedar shingles) accelerated roof degradation.

Why it matters: school-roof replacement is a capital-maintenance item affecting facility condition, long-term maintenance costs and safety; choosing a durable material appropriate to seaside exposure is important to minimize future repairs.

Ending: The assembly asked staff to finalize design documents and include construction administration in the change order so the borough can proceed to bid and, if necessary, phase work according to budget availability.