EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
Merrimack Valley
Roof manufacturer agrees to make Andover elementary school repairs
Published: October 16, 2008
ANDOVER — After years of wrangling with a manufacturer, it appears the town has won its battle over a faulty roof at High Plain Elementary School.
The leaky roof was supposed to be covered under a 15-year warranty, though it took involvement from the town's legal team to reach an agreement on upcoming repair work.
The town sent a legal notice earlier this year to GenFlex Roofing Systems regarding the warranty. GenFlex was purchased in 2006 by Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products.
Earlier this month the town came to a verbal agreement with Bridgestone Firestone representatives, according to Andover Plant and Facilities Director Joe Piantedosi.
The manufacturer agreed to pay for major repairs on the roof starting this weekend, Piantedosi said.
"They have now committed to making all the satisfactory repairs for getting the roof back where it belongs," said Piantedosi. "I'm very optimistic they're going to honor the warranty."
An engineering study conducted by the town revealed that up to $65,000 in repairs is needed on the roof, Piantedosi said.
"These problems were growing," said Piantedosi. "As time went on, I think the changes in the seasons — from hot to cold — caused the seams to start failing at a rapid rate."
Piantedosi said problems with the roof go back to when a subcontractor improperly welded sections of the roof together, compromising its waterproof membrane.
A total of 104 failed seams were identified in the engineering report, which resulted in water leaks throughout the interior of the school, Piantedosi said.
High Plain Elementary opened in the fall of 2002. The roof warranty ends in 2017.
"They are committed to honoring the warranty right to the end," Piantedosi said. "I'm very encouraged by all that's transpired."
Piantedosi said the repairs will be made by a local contractor certified by Bridgestone Firestone and should be completed within three weeks.
Piantedosi said it is important that the repairs are made before winter.
