DPW Roof Replacement Comes with Expensive Pricetag

After receiving a larger than expected budget estimate to replace the public library roof, River Edge got similar news Monday night as the corroded Dept. of Public Works roof could cost up to $485,000 for an aluminum version.

Architect Peter Pulice recommended that the current steel roof be covered over by a heavy gage aluminum version along with applying rigid insulation to resolve the water infiltration and corrosion issues that have taken place over the years. 

“The steel roof is about 30 to 35 years old,” Pulice said. “The roof is constructed by two metal pans that meet create a slip joint to allow for some movement, but it has gotten to the point that rainwater is getting through. The flashing system is also allowing water into the building.” 

The 12,000-square foot building houses the DPW fleet and mechanics garage as well as office space. But now the steel roof is facing a high amount of corrosion, partially related to the location of a nearby salt shed along with the roof dormers and skylights.

“The skylights were a good idea in their initial design but they were not detailed right,” Pulice said. “There is not enough of a curve from the roof line to the skylight and its allowing snow to dam up and cause additional leaks and corrosion." 

A previous presentation in January 2012 called for the removal of the dormers and creating a flatter roof, but Pulice has now cautioned against it. The dormers and skylights allow for natural light into the garage and provide ventilation as the DPW mechanics work on the borough’s fleet.

He also cautioned against replacing the entire roof with a built-up option similar to what he proposed for the library as the cost estimate could skyrocket up to anywhere between $6 to $8 million as opposed to a possible $430,000 to $485,000 for placing an aluminum slip joint roof.

“The existing structure is sound and by placing a new metal roof over the present roof filled with rigid insulation adds to the structural integrity of the roof,” Pulice said. “It’s expensive but there is a lot of roof area and including the redesign of the dormers to make them functional and weather tight.” 

No decision was made Monday night as the Council will have to decide which roof construction project should take priority for the upcoming budget year.

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