The Salida School Board would like to thank all contractors who bid on the Middle School roof replacement. The pre-bid conference was attended by 17 contractors. DSI/United Roofing was the only local bid. At the conference our owner’s representative, John Hesslink from Division 7 Design of Grand Junction, made a recommendation on roofing requirements. The school district hired Mr Hesslink on recommendation from the facilities representatives as a neutral third party consultant to assist us by evaluating the roof, clearly defining construction criteria, and communicating those requirements in a bid process. In order to meet requirements for a Colorado Dept. of Education grant, it was imperative that we follow the guidelines set forth by our owners representative. This grant, if approved, will cover up to 41% of the roof replacement cost.
Based on Mr Hesslink’s experience EDPM roofing materials and its method of application is the best product for our building and offers a much better warranty. The warranty for this product covers wind gusts up to 75 mph, other products are generally up to 25 mph. Wind gusts this week at the middle school were 45 mph. The request for bids was delivered to contractors stating the need to use the EDPM system. The district has attempted repairs in the past, all of them using other materials which were not effective. It was therefore important we find a different solution with a solid warranty and durable life for this project.
In a letter from Ted Hughes, Director of Public School Capital Construction Assistance with Colorado Department of Education (BEST grants), dated 3/11/10, he requests using new roofing materials that have proven effective in similar buildings to ours.
Salida School District has a strong history of hiring local contractors. DSI is currently expanding the District’s Early Childhood Center, a building which DSI originally built. Mr John Deisslen, owner of DSI, has been a tremendous asset to the schools and our community. The Board spent hours reviewing and discussing the middle school roof bids. In the end, a decision was made based on the best solution which included Mr Hesslink’s recommendations, approved construction materials, warranty requirements, grant requirements, and cost. After thorough discussion,Turner Morris Commercial Roof Systems was chosen.
After the decision Mr. Deisslen stated, “I’m not a roofing expert I’m a general contractor. I will be here for the district as I have always been. I do not want to jeopardize the district’s chances for BEST. I want what is best for our schools.”
It has always been the District’s intentions to complete the job over the summer. Construction will be completed by the beginning of the school year in August.
If you have any additional questions please submit your them in via written hardcopy to board secretary Brandy Coscarella at Salida High School, 120 New Street.
Sincerely,
Robin NeJame on behalf of Salida R-32-J School Board
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