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Board approves high‑school roof change order after contractor explains technical issues; some members express concern
Summary
The board approved a change order that removed a two‑inch insulation layer on part of the high‑school roof, generating a $95,725 discount; Garland Roofing and the contractor explained drainage and constructability reasons and said the warranty would remain intact, while several board members pressed for assurances about wet insulation and long‑term performance.
The Southmoreland School District board approved a change order to the high‑school roof project that will remove a two‑inch layer of insulation on a lower portion of the building, resulting in a stated discount of $95,725.
Contractor representatives described unforeseen conditions encountered after tearing into the roof deck that made removal of the existing perlite insulation more difficult and potentially destabilizing. They told the board that leaving the perlite in place and adapting the drainage/tapered system resulted in a workable quarter‑inch slope and reduced labor and material work on adjacent wall panels, flashing and rooftop equipment. The contractor said the roof membrane and the project warranty (described by the contractor as a 30‑plus‑year warranty in the project materials) would not be affected by the change.
Board members raised technical concerns: several asked whether saturated insulation beneath the perlite would be identified and removed and whether leaving layers in place could shorten service life. The contractor responded that any wet insulation found would be removed and that areas with adhered perlite that could not be removed without deck damage would be handled by adapting the roof design.
After discussion the board voted on the change order. A roll‑call was taken and recorded votes in the transcript included: Yutze (yes); Doctor Feig (no); Freund (yes); Geyer (yes); Grabiak (yes); Olson (yes); Shipley (yes); Recipiter (no); Missus Herrera absent. The tally recorded in the meeting reflected approval of the change order.
Board members requested clearer documentation in the contract language to protect the district in the event of future leaks or premature failures and to document warranty coverage; staff said Garland representatives were present to address those concerns and that warranty terms remain in force.
