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Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

At the Thursday meeting of the Scioto County Commissioners a change order was approved to the ongoing courthouse roof replacement project. The change order could result in an additional $23,000 being added to the overall cost of the project.

“There are a number of leaks in the roof currently, there is a layer of insulation between the rubber roof material and the concrete. Over the years, damage has been done to the insulation layer, we just don’t know the extent of the damage. There is about 23,000 square foot of roof and some of that (insulation) will no doubt will have to be replaced,” Chairman of the Scioto County Commissioners Mike Crabtree said. “They have done enough work where they have come upon some rot or decay in the insulation. So, before they can put the new roof on they have to repair and replace some if not all of that.”

In February the commissioners awarded a contract to Five Star Commercial Roofing out of Hartford City, Ind. for the project valued at $99,990.

Crabtree said the scope of the work includes the installation of a seamless roofing system that is expected to last 20 years.

“What this change order is supposed to cover is any and all damage to the insulation between the layer of roofing and the concrete layer in between,” Crabtree said.

He said it costs a thousand dollars a square foot, with a number not to exceed $23,000.

“We’re going to watch what comes off the roof and try to salvage what can the salvaged. Obviously we’re not going to take something off that’s just as good as what they are putting on,” Crabtree said. “We don’t want to have the roof taken off and get approval after the fact. When you go to the finance commission to can’t nickel and dime your way to whatever it is.”

Crabtree said the current roof was installed about 20 years ago and has caused damage to the fourth floor of the courthouse. The extent of the damage has made the majority of the fourth floor uninhabitable. Damage has begun to appear on the third floor of the building.

“We’ve had a problem of water getting into the fourth floor of the courthouse. Lately it’s been making it’s way onto the third floor in places. It really comes down to a matter of public safety,” Crabtree said.

He said once the roof is repaired, the county will have to look into the extent of the damage it has caused and look at ways to fix it.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or tallen@civitasmedia.com.