Due to the terrific windstorm yesterday some aluminum flashing came partially loose from the clock tower last night and was blowing around in the high wind. I am grateful to a library visitor who brought it to our attention yesterday late afternoon. Because it appeared it could come loose and injure a visitor in the area, I made the decision to close the building until it could be assessed and repaired. We did this at 5:00; usual closing time on Friday is 6:00 pm.
The Woodmere building has a metal roof and due to the storm is currently covered in ice. Although we were able to reach out and grab the flashing, we could not pull it loose and we could not put a ladder out there to make the repair.
Hallmark Construction arrived last night to help assess the situation and this morning acquired the largest boom in the city to try to make the repair. The large boom needed to be situated right at the driveway to the outdoor book drop, adding another measure of inconvenience to our library patrons.
Unfortunately, at the angle required reach across the roof, the boom was not able to be extended quite enough and our gentlemen from Hallmark were not able to reach the clock tower to make the repair.
However, with our assessments last night and this morning, we were able to determine the flashing is riveted securely to the tower and will not be able to come loose completely. Because of this direct assessment I am comfortable opening the building until we can acquire a larger piece of equipment to reach the site and make the repair.
Woodmere reopened at 12:15 this afternoon. We may need to restrict access in the parking lot again next week in order to bring in equipment with a longer reach so our workers can make solid repairs.
The Woodmere building has a metal roof and due to the storm is currently covered in ice. Although we were able to reach out and grab the flashing, we could not pull it loose and we could not put a ladder out there to make the repair.
Hallmark Construction arrived last night to help assess the situation and this morning acquired the largest boom in the city to try to make the repair. The large boom needed to be situated right at the driveway to the outdoor book drop, adding another measure of inconvenience to our library patrons.
Unfortunately, at the angle required reach across the roof, the boom was not able to be extended quite enough and our gentlemen from Hallmark were not able to reach the clock tower to make the repair.
However, with our assessments last night and this morning, we were able to determine the flashing is riveted securely to the tower and will not be able to come loose completely. Because of this direct assessment I am comfortable opening the building until we can acquire a larger piece of equipment to reach the site and make the repair.
Woodmere reopened at 12:15 this afternoon. We may need to restrict access in the parking lot again next week in order to bring in equipment with a longer reach so our workers can make solid repairs.
Many thanks to our visitor who brought the matter to our attention, the several employees who remained on hand to address various details that arise when you close a busy public building such as this and to Hallmark Construction for coming out on these blustery days to assist.
And happy holidays to all.
And happy holidays to all.
Posted by Metta on Dec 22nd 2012, 1:29pm.