Damaged police station roof repaired

Damaged when foul weather tore apart a neighboring roof more than once, the roof on the Ritzville Police Department has developed several leaks causing repeated damage to the building’s interior.

For a handful of years the city has been wrangling with the roof issue, which began after the building was completely remodeled to house the police department. Originally installed by Arc Commercial Roofing of Spokane, the roof was damaged when metal roofing from an adjacent building landed on the roof, tearing and puncturing the membrane.

Seams from the roofing also cross through a depression on each side of the building where water gathers before running off the end of the building.

Police Chief David McCormick presented a photographic slide show of the problem area to city council members during the Tuesday, Sept. 4, regular meeting. McCormick explained that the insurance company has previously covered the cost of repairs, but will not at this time.

The photos showed more than 100 patches on the roof from previous efforts to repair the damaged membrane. It also showed the seams of the roofing material where other potential leaks may be occurring. A third problem area is the roof vents where roofing tar was used to seal around their base.

The chief also said the leaks are damaging insulation and water is dripping into the police department’s evidence room and the office of Sgt. Mark Cameron.

McCormick presented a variety of bids from three different roofing companies for the council to consider. They ranged in price from $13,248 to $28,000 depending on the material or method used for the repairs.

This week Mast Roofing of Montana began repairing the building. McCormick reported on Tuesday, Sept. 18, that the project should be completed by the end of the week.

The final cost of the project was not mentioned Tuesday.