Jackson district, builder at odds over roof

A botched roof job on Jackson High School's new Event Center has pushed the project back months and left the school district and contractor arguing over who will pay the half-million dollars to replace it.

Penzel Construction, the general contractor, blames heavy and persistent rains throughout the winter and spring for causing an acoustical roof panel to deteriorate. The school district maintains the workers should have better protected the roof.

The district's insurance company has twice denied claims to cover costs.

"Since it was supposed to be kept dry, it had lost some of its integrity. It should have been kept dry," said superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson, later stating that replacement costs "will not be out of the district's pocket."

Roofing subcontractor Drury Construction could not be reached Thursday.

Howard Hemmann, a project manager for Penzel, said workers tried to safeguard the roof and insists the insurance company should be required to pay out. He hinted at the possibility of a lawsuit.

"If the owner doesn't decide to pay it, eventually we may have to go to court. Hopefully we won't have to go that far. No one wants to be out that kind of money when they don't think it's their fault," he said.

Both Hemmann and Anderson were unclear about next steps. "I really don't know what the next provision or step will be," Anderson said. Hemmann said the company's next move "still hasn't been decided."

Workers began removing and replacing the roof midmonth; it is expected to be completed by the end of July. The Events Center is not expected to open until December, 10 months late.

A plastic covering was placed over the roof during storms, but the prolonged rains took a toll. Problems began back last fall, according to Greg Huffman, president of Huffman Roofing.

Drury Construction installed the initial roofing deck, while Huffman's Farmington, Mo., company was hired to install the final roof. When he arrived in November, Huffman said, he found moisture on the installed wooden acoustical panels. Manufacturers' roofing warranties prohibit him from installing roofing over wet panels.

"It never did dry completely out," he said.

The problem escalated during February's ice storms and March's rains, during which about 15 inches of rain were dumped on Southeast Missouri in a month's time.

"We did cover it ... but the wind can catch it and rip holes in it. It's not a prolonged method of keeping it dry," Hemmann said.

While the roof was damaged, the interior is sound, Hemmann said. No other school buildings under construction were damaged by the spring weather.

Other buildings included in the $20-plus million project include a Fine Arts Complex and new art rooms. The Events Center will feature a gym and a portable stage for musical performances.

Penzel did not have builder's insurance on the project. District administrators were told it would be cheaper for the district to add builder's risk insurance to its current policy because the project is an addition to the school, not a separate entity. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. provides insurance for the district, and Gallagher Bassett Services manages the district's claims.

Anderson did not know the specific reason the claim was rejected.

A media representative for Gallagher Bassett Services said the company could not comment.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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