Parapet work delays Backus roof project, By TOM LAVENTURE, Staff Writer

Work is progressing with a slight delay in replacing the approximately 20,000 square feet of roof on the two historic buildings of the E.W. Backus Jr. High School and the Alexander Baker Elementary School complex.
The delay is not as much the wet weather, though that is a factor, but more from an unexpected issue with the parapet on the Alexander Baker building, according to Ward Merrill, interim executive director, Backus Community Center.
A parapet is a low protective wall along a roof.
Merrill said the “major restorative work” to the parapet is necessary as a solid anchoring joint for the roof.
“There are cheaper ways, he said, but this is the best way,” said Merrill.
Dan Herman of Herman Roofing said the damage was discovered during the roof removal and they contracted with Pelland Swenson & Associates to remove the bad brick and repair it with new brick, wire mesh and modified concrete.
Jed Swenson of Pelland Swenson & Associates, said that a coating on the original brick held water and led to inside layer damage on some of the brick. They have already removed the bad brick and are waiting for brick and mortar materials to arrive.
In addition to the brick, Swenson said that the roof “termination bar” that runs along the bottom of the parapet could no longer connect properly and created a need for mortar work.
Swenson said that a new seal coating will be applied on the mortar after it sets.
Herman said that he hoped to be back on the roof this week.
“The weather has slowed us down for about two weeks but it has not hurt anything,” he added. “It’s an eight week job and we are behind two weeks because of the weather and that should not slow us down very much.”
Merrill said the base underneath the roof is concrete and sound. They are working with Shannon’s Construction to repair a roof drain plug and a diverter valve underneath the building.
The contractors meet with the Backus board and the architect every other Friday for a noon meeting. They provide updates and discuss the timetable and new issues that arise and needs to be done worked out.
The Citizens for Backus/AB last April completed their $250,000 fundraising goal to replace the two main roofs on the original 1912 building, the newer 1936 building. The project completes a seven roof replacement that also included the auditorium, gymnasium and arts building.
There was extensive water damage in some rooms and the roof replacement will allow interior renovations to begin, including a new HVAC system and community kitchen. Some of the old school rooms will be used for community and arts functions. Other plans include converting many of them into condominiums.