Courthouse roof replaced again after installation issues
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa —For the second time in six months the Ringold County Courthouse has received a new roof. Repairs previously made to the structure as a result of the violent hailstorm the area received in the spring of 2024 had to be redone because of a faulty first installation attempt.
The company that handled the repairs (Strong House Construction) apparently miscalculated the variations of the existing roof surface and found out after the fact that the roof was not draining properly. Large amounts of water were accumulating on the roof due to improper sloping from the original repair resulting in water accumulation and the subsequent weight this condition added to the structure. Large amounts of pooled water can lead to leaks and potentially collapse if repairs are not immediately undertaken.
Vice President of Operations for Strong House, Victor Reicks, vowed to personally oversee the second repair process from beginning to completion. The city closed down a portion of the south side of the square to motor vehicle traffic in the first part of the week to allow for a crane to operate and transport repair materials to the roof. Crews worked throughout the week and were scheduled to complete the project on Monday, July 17.
The same storm in 24’ also took its toll on another county building in Mount Ayr; the Ringgold County Sheriff’s office. That building too, has experienced leaks as a result of a faulty installation of a replacement roof. Repairs have been undertaken on this structure as well. The Strong House company apologized for these apparent flaws in workmanship and vowed to the members of the Ringgold County Board of Supervisors that the problems would be resolved. Of course, no additional charges would be levied against the county for these projects. Final inspections should be completed early in the week, however, mother nature will provide the true test of a successful re-installation.
