Garland Company tells board district roofs show ponding, flashing failures; recommends multi-ply rebuild

The board heard a detailed presentation from the Garland Company on the condition of Lac qui Parle Valley Schools’ roofs and options for long-term repairs.

Brian Merrell, introduced as a Garland Company representative, told the board his company inspects, designs and provides warranty-backed roofing systems for school districts. He showed photos and said many roofs in the district demonstrate ponding water, deficient flashings and membrane shrinkage that together increase the risk of leaks and shorten service life.

"When you're using sealant to waterproof a facility, it's just a matter of time," Merrell said, describing sites where rubber (EPDM) and single-ply membranes had developed ponding and other defects. He recommended adding metal wall panels to achieve proper flashing heights, and proposed a multi-ply or modified built-up roofing system that, while costlier up front, would reduce maintenance and replacement costs over decades.

Merrell described Garland's procurement approach: manufacturer-backed warranties, mandatory pre-bid contractor visits to ensure qualified local bidders, and third-party engineering and inspection during design and installation to reduce change orders. He urged the district to conduct core cuts, infrared scans and detailed design-phase work to avoid surprises during reconstruction.

During board questions, Merrell said engineers would be involved to calculate drainage tapering for older buildings and cautioned that some older roof sections may require substantial redesign to achieve positive drainage. He suggested the district could pursue a full replacement in a single summer but recommended planning early to secure qualified crews.

The presentation concluded with a proposal to return with samples, details and a priority map; Garland offered to ship membrane samples and follow up with a revised scope if the board requests it.