Cold Roof May Solve Adam Hall Moisture Problem
A “cover-up” may be the solution to moisture problems at Adam Hall, Auburn Township Trustees learned March 2 from Shawn Roland, of Link Exteriors in Chagrin Falls.
A “cover-up” may be the solution to moisture problems at Adam Hall, Auburn Township Trustees learned March 2 from Shawn Roland, of Link Exteriors in Chagrin Falls.
Roland told trustees he conducted a smoke test in the attic above the community center on East Washington Street. He found no ventilation in the space and said it was unusually warm during his February inspection.
“A hot attic is no good,” Roland said. “They built a building around a building and there are barriers that block venting.”
He offered two potential solutions.
One option would be to remove walls in the attic that block airflow, but Roland said that approach would be very expensive.
A second option could cost less, he said.
“I suggest a cold roof system — a roof built on top of a roof,” Roland said. “It’s probably the most effective solution.”
The existing roof deck would remain cool through installation of a ventilated air gap between foam insulation and a new roof covering, he said, adding the system would help prevent ice dams in gutters and reduce condensation inside the building.
Trustee P.J. Cavanagh said a standard roof replacement would not address the moisture problem and he would like additional details on the cold roof option.
Trustee Riley Davis said repair estimates presented last year ranged from $45,000 to $80,000.
“This is a big expense,” he said, noting the cold roof solution could cost about $75,000. Trustees may need to seek bids for the project.
Davis also suggested having an engineer evaluate whether a cold roof system is appropriate.
A resident asked whether the building’s trusses could support the added weight of plywood and shingles, suggesting a metal roof might be lighter.
“It seems like the most logical idea for the smallest amount,” said Trustee Mike Troyan.
Parking Issues Addressed
In other business, trustees discussed parking concerns at The Patio, a bar at the intersection of Wing Road and East Washington Street.
Customers have been parking in the Wing Road right-of-way beside the building. Zoning Inspector Frank Kitko said part of the building itself extends into the right-of-way.
Davis recommended allowing parking only behind the bar, noting sufficient space exists there.
Trustees reviewed a judgment entry governing use of fenced-in space behind the bar, originally intended for smokers. The area has since been expanded to include outdoor dining, and a neighbor at the meeting said the space generates excessive noise.
Trustees voted to enforce the existing judgment entry and notify management about the parking issue.
“We’re not doing any modification (to the judgment entry),” Troyan said. “We are enforcing what’s in play right now.”
Zoning Fees Adjusted
Trustees also approved adjustments to zoning fees to align with surrounding communities.
The cost for a zoning variance will rise from $550 to $850. A request for a hearing before the board of zoning appeals will also increase from $550 to $850. He asked whether the updated fees had been posted online.
“We’re not making any money on this,” Troyan said, adding large cases often require significant resources.
“Even at these prices, by the time the smoke clears, it’s going to cost us money,” he said.
