Contractor proposes vent 'diverter' after repeated fairgrounds roof damage

Dan, a representative of Beck with Roofing, told the Jackson County Board of Supervisors that recurring snow and ice have repeatedly damaged two-way vent caps on the fairgrounds roof and proposed a hardware fix. "I proposed a diverter, if you will, or a vent protector that installs on the high side of the vent and just acts as a wedge, allowing the snow and ice to divert around it," Dan said. He explained the vents are slid into six-inch holes and heat-welded to the roof membrane, and that the site’s roof slope and occasional rapid thaw create a "perfect storm" for caps to pop off or vents to be torn off entirely.

Supervisor Mike Stein said the damage has happened multiple times and asked whether the manufacturer could be held responsible; Dan said he had provided the manufacturer the roof slope and dimensions but that the need for diverters is rare and often not apparent until roofs have been tested by heavy snow. The board discussed cost sharing and possible compromise: Dan suggested supplying materials while the county could pay for installation labor, and he agreed to email a written proposal and price. Chair Don Swanker said the board would review the proposal and take action afterward. The board took no immediate formal vote on repairs during the meeting; supervisors asked staff to wait for Dan’s emailed quote and proposal before authorizing work.