Engineer outlines multi‑phase roof and facade overhaul for Intermediate South

Tim Sullivan of BECT Engineering presented a multi‑phase plan on May 23 to replace roofs and repair the facade at Intermediate South, saying the work would proceed in phases covering courtyards, the gymnasium and cafeteria, back‑of‑house areas and the main entrance.

Sullivan said Phase 1 would include complete removal of the existing stone‑ballast roofing in the courtyard areas and installation of a two‑ply granulated modified bitumen roof with new flashings and R‑30 insulation to meet current energy codes. "We're also going to be improving the overall drainage of the courtyards," he said, noting current guttering and stone ballast cause overflow and water cascading that stains walls.

He described accompanying facade repairs: cleaning masonry, applying a water‑repellent to reduce wind‑driven intrusion, replacing sealants around windows and doors, and repairing masonry where brick and CMU meet. On Phase 2, covering the gym and cafeteria, Sullivan said the district would again replace existing roofs with the same two‑ply system backed by a 20‑year warranty and upgrade insulation from R‑17 to R‑30. He also described parapet reconstructions at displaced corners.

When asked what the masonry waterproofing is made of, Sullivan said, "It's a spray on liquid that gets absorbed into the masonry and acts as a barrier" and identified it as a silane‑based product, offering to provide the specific chemicals on request.

A district official introduced during the meeting, Mr. Doering, explained how the project will be funded. "This project is being funded by capital reserve dollars, which are a separate, legal reserve just for such endeavors," he said, adding the work will substantially draw down the district's capital reserve but that the project has been "long overdue" based on need.

The board announced an executive session on award of bids but conducted the public presentation in open session. The presentation materials and the district's capital reserve impact were discussed; board members asked for additional technical and budget details to be provided as the project moves forward.

Next steps discussed included furnishing product specifications for the waterproofing, clarifying warranty details and confirming the schedule and funding implications before formal contract awards.