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Board hears plan to accelerate middle school shingled-roof replacement to metal; $2.1 million estimate and October start targeted
Summary
District staff proposed an accelerated partial roofing replacement at Radnor Middle School with standing-seam metal panels, a $2.1 million contract estimate, an estimated 8–10 week construction window (weather dependent) and a projected multiyear savings of roughly $1 million by advancing the work.
District facilities staff presented a proposal Aug. 19 to replace the failing shingled sections of Radnor Middle School’s roof with standing-seam metal panels and associated repairs.
Mister Morris said the shingled roof sections above the auditorium, main gym, auxiliary gym and mechanical spaces have been failing, causing leaks throughout spring and winter, and recommended accelerating the project this fall because it can be accomplished while students are in the building. "It's time to move it up," Morris said, adding that the district can perform this work without impacting classroom instruction.
Administration proposed switching the shingled sections to a standing-seam metal roof with new gutters, downspouts and snow guards. The administration reported a total project proposal from Maines Roofing of $2.1 million, about $132,000 under the prior capital estimate of $2.2 million. Morris said accelerating the project and coordinating other work could avoid escalation and produce an estimated savings "upwards of about $1,000,000 over the next several years" by moving projects forward.
Staff described staging plans to minimize disruption, including a fenced construction zone, crane use with steel plates and mats to protect turf and courts, storage trailers, daily coordination with building schedules and fire drills (work paused for drills). Project sequencing would keep most outdoor play areas available and include a 12-foot emergency access gate to maintain egress routes.
Procurement will use the Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN) construction procurement option; administration said eliminating an external construction manager and handling construction administration in-house will reduce cost while retaining manufacturer oversight from Tremco and on-site involvement from Maines Roofing.
Board members asked about auditorium noise after a switch to metal roofing. Morris and representatives said the current roof assembly (metal deck + insulation + plywood + ice-and-water shield) and interior acoustic clouds should dampen sound. The administration agreed to take baseline decibel readings before the change and again after completion for comparison.
Morris asked the board to pick a roof color by next Wednesday to meet a 6–8 week material lead time for an October start; he recommended slate gray. If approved, administration expects an 8–10 week construction window, weather permitting, with the project wrapping around the start of the school year if schedules align.
Next steps: administration will bring the project and color selection to the board’s business agenda for approval and proceed with procurement if the board approves the recommended contractor and schedule.
