Raising the Roof - Barn Banter Q & A

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Barn Banter Q & A “Raising the Roof”

November 13, 2011

Q: Does the entire roof need to be replaced or can we just do a part of it?

A: One section is the clearly the worst and the roofers who responded to the request for proposal gave us a price to do just one section and another price to do the complete roof. Due to the overall age and condition it was decided that the roof has reached the end of its normal life and we would risk further damage to the roof decking by putting off the full replacement. We received a much better price as well by doing the entire roof. We realized a 24% savings by replacing the full roof.

Q: If we only repaired the minimal amount, how much longer could the existing roof last?

A: The existing roof could last a few more years, but we would likely incur repair costs each year. In the past couple of years we have spend several thousand dollars on repairs, which would be avoided by a new roof. In addition, each time there is leaking more damage is done to the wood under the shingles, which increases the cost of replacing the roof when finally done. Finally, having tarps laying in the sanctuary is not very inviting to potential new members (or existing members).

Q: How can we be sure we are getting the best pricing?

A: The building committee created a Request for Proposal giving specific items to be bid on and sent this to 20 roofing companies. 7 Roofers responded. Included were options to upgrade to a heavier, more wind resistant shingle as well as the options of gutters and downspouts. We eliminated roofers who were in business only a short period of time or those whose pricing was not competitive. We narrowed the list down to 3 companies. Then we called and negotiated the pricing for various options with those 3 remaining companies. Noffke Roofing was the most flexible on pricing, had been in business the longest and was the only company to offer us 6 months to pay. They agreed to the following discounts: $2,000 off the price of the Roof, the first $500 of decking damage at no charge, 6’ of ice and water shield for the price of 3’ and an upgrade to a 10 year workmanship warranty. The total contract is for $25,076.00 with an option to spend an additional $1,500 on gutter caps. The contract includes the premium shingles as well as gutters and downspouts. We added in some contingency money to determine our goal of $28,000.00

Q: Are gutters to be added and why

A: Currently we do not have gutters. The water runs down the sides of the building and is damaging the siding (which is very evident on the side facing west). Additionally we have moisture and mold problem in the basement as the water is not being deflected away from the building. By adding gutters and downspouts we will correct all of the above.

Q: Will gutters create additional Ice problems?

A: With the addition of a gutter apron and 6’ of ice and water shield from the gutters up we will protect our roof from ice damming and deterioration. When the original roof was installed this product was not available or widely in use.

Q: Why run a Building Campaign rather than borrowing the money from our Mortgage lender?

A: The church does not have a line of credit. In order to finance the roof, the mortgage would have to be redone. This is a difficult time to work with banks on commercial lending and due to the fact that the work needs to commence immediately the Finance Committee and the Board all voted to approve running a Roof Campaign to raise the funds. Our building is owned by its members and as such it is really no different that needing a new roof on a home. This is not a fun item to spend money on but is an essential expenditure.

Q: If we don’t raise enough money from the Building Campaign to cover the cost of the roof, how will the rest of the bill be paid?

A: There are options to cover any costs not raised by the Building Campaign, including partial use of money from the Endowment Fund and potential member loans. What would be chosen would depend on the shortfall. When the Finance Committee discussed this the consensus was that full funding by a Building Campaign was preferable to other options.

Q: Can we pledge this year but pay in 2012?

A: Yes. We have six months to pay for the roof so donations may be made through April of 2012

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