A tapered roof is being proposed for the public library in a long-running effort to stop leaks that have ruined hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of books and other holdings over the last decade.
County Engineer Tom Wallace Cox told supervisors on Monday that a new tapered insulation roof would alleviate the leaks while not changing the exterior appearance of the library.
Cox said he has not obtained a cost estimate.
The new roof would require that all heating and air conditioning units be relocated from the top of the library to ground level.
In addition, Cox proposed that the leaking windows be replaced with double insulated ones with the exterior sides having a mirrored effect.
The new roof and windows will not only stop the leaks, Cox said, they will also reduce utility costs. The monthly electric bill at the library is about $3,000.
"I think this would bring it down to about $2,000 or less a month," he said.
Supervisors plan to apply for a federal stimulus grant working through USDA Rural Development to fund the project.
"Energy efficiency will be the key to us getting a grant," Cox said.
The goal of tapered roof insulation systems is to reduce or eliminate the amount of standing water when the roof deck does not provide adequate slope.
This type of roof would move rain water to the gutters and also provide insulation value for the library, Cox said. The proposed roof would have a 20-year warranty.
Last month, supervisors accepted a $22,243 quote from McLain Plumbing and Electric for a new heating system for the library after being presented a report that the temperature inside the facility had not topped 58 degrees on that particular morning.
Board President Obbie Riley said on Monday that the new system would still be utilized at the library.
For years the library has been plagued by leaks, heating and air conditioning issues and mold outbreaks that have ruined books and other holdings.
The library underwent a $800,000 renovation in 2003, but problems have persisted. Prior to those repairs, the library lost an estimated 7,000 holdings valued at more than $200,000 to mold, mildew, and water.
A 2008 study funded through the Mississippi Library Commission, revealed that more than $800,000 was now needed to repair leaks, mitigate a mold outbreak and replace books and furniture.
Library Director Madonna May said in August that the facility was in a "bad financial situation."
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Article comment by:
DON BARRETT
They knew they had a problem when they spent the $800,000 does not take a genius to figure out a flat roof is not good at all. should of put a tapered roof on in the first place. Old ideas!!!! Afraid of change or to change the look of something, now they have to because it is too late. Spend it $$$$$$$$$$$$
