Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Q. I live in a designated historic district with strict limits on the type of windows allowed. Many windows in my house are losing the edging around the panes. Can this be repaired, or do I have to replace the windows?

Baltimore

A. The edging you refer to is glazing, a putty-type product that goes on squishy but dries in a way that seals the glass, holds it in place, and sheds water when it rains. Glazing can definitely be replaced. You do not need to replace the windows.

The big question, though, is what level of restoration you want and can afford.

The Window Preservation Alliance, which focuses on preserving old windows, has a directory that lists restoration companies across the country.

These companies do a lot more than just install new glazing. Mylo Celsy, the owner of Corners Historic Restoration in Baltimore, said her crew typically removes the sash the movable sections of a window and takes them to the companys shop. There, the crew strips the layers of old paint, which often contain lead, and removes the old glazing. If the glass isnt cracked, they remove it and set it aside for reuse. If parts of the wood have decayed, they repair or replace the pieces, as needed. Then they reinstall the glass and add new glazing. If the old windows had a rope-and-pulley system to keep the open sash from crashing down, they replace the ropes with new brass chains, which are more durable. And when they reinstall the sash, they add weatherstripping. The windows are totally weatherized, and they open and close easily, Celsy said.

Its a lot of work, so of course its not cheap. Restoring a window this way typically costs at least $1,200 and can go higher, depending on the window, Celsy said.

If you cant afford that, there are other options. If youre handy, you can do it yourself for just the cost of new glazing and some primer paint. There are two basic types of window glazing: oil-based, such as Dap 33 Window Glazing ($4.27 for an 8 oz. tub at The Home Depot) and water-based, such as Dap Latex Window Glazing ($6.20 for a 10.1 oz. tube at The Home Depot). The differences go beyond whether you need to clean up tools with mineral spirits (as you do for the oil-based product) or water (which works with the latex product).

Oil-based glazing, the traditional option, is thick enough to roll into a rope, which makes it easier to tool to a smooth finish than the more gooey latex version, which comes in a tube that fits into a caulk gun. However, if youre just trying to fill in gaps, the latex product is the way to go, said a Dap customer service representative. For good results with the oil-based glazing, its important to follow the whole recommended process, which starts by painting the recess for the glass with oil-based primer, he said. Thats impossible to do with a patch job; it requires taking out the glass.

The latex product, though, can be used to fill gaps. First, remove any sections of the glazing that are cracked and loose. To help with this, use a stiff putty knife or the flat end of a painters 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 tool ($6.48 at The Home Depot). Be careful not to catch the knife on the glazing points, little metal tabs that sit over the glass and press into the wood and that were needed to hold the glass against the frame while the original glazing cured. When all the loose glazing is out, clean the area and let the wood dry. Then, if you even suspect that the old window paint is oil-based, brush on primer (it can be either oil-based or water-based) over the bare areas. When that dries, squeeze out the latex window glazing, using the applicator nozzle to help get a reasonably smooth bead. Follow up by tooling the glazing at an angle that matches the angle of the remaining original glazing.

Tooling the glazing is the tricky part. You might want to watch one or more YouTube videos first; type latex window glazing into the search box. The traditional tool for tooling is a putty knife. Another option is a 2-in-1 glazier tool ($5.98 at The Home Depot). It has a flat blade on one end and an angled blade on the other that automatically creates the desired angle. The angled blade has an opening that ejects excess glazing, reducing the chance of it sticking to the smooth surface youre trying to create.

Latex glazing does not need to be painted, but unless your windows are white, you will want to paint the glazing to match the color. Typically, the glazing is dry and stiff enough to paint after three to seven days, depending on the weather. You can paint right over it without spreading primer paint first.

If youre not interested in doing the repairs yourself, you may want to hire a company that tackles a variety of home repair projects. Some house-painting companies also do this kind of repair, although typically as part of a painting job.

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You can repair windows, but your eyes may glaze over at the cost - Boston.com

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been urged to sign David Raya (Picture: Getty)

Darren Bent has urged Liverpool to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to replace back-up goalkeeper Adrian.

Reds No. 1 Alisson is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and his deputy, Adrian, made another mistake during last weekends incredible 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa.

While the summer transfer window closed last week, domestic deals can still be completed up until October 16.

Former England striker Bent believes Premier League champions Liverpool need to address their goalkeeping situation and says they should target Raya.

The 25-year-old has impressed for Championship club Brentford over the past 18 months, with his performances attracting interest from Arsenal before they signed Alex Runarsson as Bernd Lenos deputy.

Bent told Football Insider: For me, I think it is an issue that they [Liverpool] need to address.But where can you find a backup goalkeeper now?

We are talking about the Premier League champions so it shouldnt be that hard but where do you get a goalkeeper that is going to be happy coming into the team to play for six weeks until Alisson comes back and then youre back on the bench.

It has to be a concern because they have seen first-hand what happens when you dont have an adequate backup goalkeeper.

The only one who I can think of as a potentially good back-up goalkeeper is David Raya, maybe him. At the highest level now you cant just rely on your one goalkeeper.

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The days of Brad Friedel or David James where you can go so long without getting an injury, seasons without getting an injury, seem to be a thing of the past.

I think you need two very good goalkeepers now. They need to find one whose close to Alisson, hes never going to be as good as Alisson.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have also been urged to address their goalkeeping situation by signing Jack Butland from Stoke City.

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MORE: Man Utd slammed over desperate deadline day signings by Liverpool legend

MORE: Gin Wijnaldum rates new Liverpool signings Thiago, Jota and Tsimikas

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Liverpool urged to sign former Arsenal transfer target David Raya by Darren Bent - Metro.co.uk

Everton are in talks to sign a new goalkeeper after Jordan Pickfords latest mistake.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Toffees are keen on both Robin Olsen and Sergio Romero, with discussions taking place for the Roma and Manchester United glovesmen.

Getty Images - Getty

Olsen, 30, is expected to leave Roma before the 11pm transfer deadline having spent last season on loan with their Serie A rivals Cagliari, while Man United are prepared to cash in on Romero as he fell to third choice in the pecking order earlier this year when Dean Henderson returned to Old Trafford from his loan spell at Sheffield United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has preferred David de Gea as his No.1 with Henderson as back-up, with Lee Grant also on Manchester Uniteds books as a homegrown third option.

Both keepers are now being eyed by high-flying Everton, with manager Carlo Ancelotti keen on adding a new gloveman before the transfer window slams shut.

Despite the Toffees perfect start to the season which sees them top of the Premier League with a 100 per cent record, questions are still being asked of Pickford in goal.

Despite being a talented shot-stopper Pickford remains one of the most mistake-ridden keepers around and he made another error last Saturday as Everton beat Brighton, dropping the ball at the feet of Neal Maupay who willingly converted from close range.

Getty Images - Getty

Pickford has now made the joint-most errors leading to goals since the start of last season, making five mistakes along with Newcastles Martin Dubravka.

Thats more than Chelseas Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has come under serious scrutiny for his mistakes in recent months despite making just two errors leading to goals.

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Everton in talks to sign Jordan Pickford replacement with two goalkeepers targeted including Manchester - talkSPORT.com

Don Magruder| For the Daily Commercial

One of the first things noticed on a house is the roof. Chances are that the average age of older roofs in Lake and Sumter Counties is about 20 years. In other areas of the country, the lifespans of roofs are much longer.

However, in Florida, a combination of harsh tropical weather and unreasonable replacement standards set by insurance companies who want to minimize hurricane exposure is forcing homeowners to replace roofs sooner. Roof replacements are rare events for most homeowners and a lot has probably changed since the last time the roof was replaced on your older home.

Because of changes in technology, building codesand material offerings, homeowners should be wary about paying a roofing contractor to install the same roof with the same method used 20 years ago. Here are the five big changes in roofing since your older roof was originally installed.

The first big change is the quality of roofing shingles. Twenty years ago, 3-tab strip shingles were used by many builders and these shingles as compared to todays architectural style shingles are thinner and have less wind tolerance. Todays architectural shingles are thicker, have higher wind resistanceand are designed to camouflage imperfections in the roof.

The new lines of architectural shingles offer a huge variety of colors and shadowing to enhance your homes curb appeal. When replacing your roof, do not settle for the same old shingle style and color on your roof look at the different options available nowadays.

Shingle warranties have also changed. Twenty years ago, shingle warranties were for 20 years and the warranty typically only covered materials after the first year. Today, manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties with very affordable upgrades to offer full replacements later in time. Before you commit to a shingle, be sure you understand the warranty and ask your roofing contractor if you can upgrade to a full long-term warranty.

The next change is underlayment. Twenty years ago, 90 percent of the roofs were constructed with 15-pound felt as an underlayment with better homes using 30-pound felt. Yes, 30-pound felt is double the thickness.

The big problem with rolled felt is its failure if the shingles are blown off during a windstorm. Felt paper will tear and rip in the wind if there are not any shingles on top of it. Roofing contractors are now using a synthetic felt, which does not tear if it is exposed to the weather elements. Synthetic felt is the most popular underlayment because a roll is lighter and covers more square footage, which cuts down on the amount of time to install it and accidents associated with it.

The most popular underlayment is peel and stick, which adheres to the decking and will remain in place and protect the deck even if the shingles are blown off. It is a great product that seals nail holes and provides a real moisture barrier for your home.

Not as glamourous but just as important in roofing are the nails and fasteners. In the past, most roof failures have been attributed to poor installation, especially in the area of fasteners. Staples used in the early 1990s were blamed for many failed roofs during Hurricane Andrew. Today, building codes require more nails per shingle and longer nails along with wind mitigation for decking. In most cases, if a shingle fails it is because of the use of incorrect fasteners.

The final big change is the use of metal roofing. Twenty years ago, the majority of residential roofs were constructed with asphalt shingles. Today, a growing percentage are being constructed with metal roofing.

With hidden fastening systems and a multitude of colors, metal roofing is a good alternative. Plus, this type of roof offers a much longer warranty and thus far has not faced the scrutiny from insurance companies as that of their asphalt counterparts. Before you re-roof your home, check into metal roofing it might be worth the extra investment.

As a bonus tip, whenever you re-roof your home, replace all drip edge and valley metals. Some roofing contractors like to cut this corner; however, metal flashing on a roof after 20 years should be replaced due to rusting and pitting. Always ensure your re-roof quote covers everything, including new flashing.

If you are lucky, you will only have to replace a roof once or twice in your adult lifespan. If you do, investigate all the options before you buy.

Don Magruder is the CEO of RoMac Building Supply and host of Around the House, which can be seen at AroundtheHouse.TV.

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Not your father's roof: Five big changes in recent years - Daily Commercial

As the Milwaukee Brewers get ready for opening day, the Miller Park maintenance crew is busy making sure the retractable roof is in proper working order.

Members of the board that oversees Miller Park approved a plan Tuesday to spend $1.8 million to upgrade the system that controls the ballpark's retractable roof.

Members of the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District board's finance and operations committeesvoted unanimously to spend the money to upgrade the system as part of the 2021 maintenance and improvement plan for the ballpark.

The roof panels are moved by a complex system of motors and drives that haulit along a track.

Much of the controls for the system as well as various parts of the drive system have become obsolete and have reached their usable life after 20 years, said Kristi Kreklow, associate director of the district.

The drive system for Miller Park's retractable roof is being replaced.(Photo: Michael Sears, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The systemwill be upgraded to include the newest technology and hardware and will take about 18 months to complete.

In 2018, workers removedand inspected one of the 10 'bogies' that haul the roof panels into place. The bogie was making unusual noises but was deemed not to be faulty in the $900,000 project.

The spending for the latest project is coming from what's known as the district's segregated reserve fund to which the district and the Milwaukee Brewers each make contributions.

Upgrading the roof's drive and control system has been planned and is not a surprise. Original plans for the stadium called for the systems to be replaced once they turned 20 years old.

The expectation is that the upgrade, once complete, will last another 20 years, said Mike Duckett, executive director of the district.

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Board members also voted Tuesday to spend $1.3 million to replace the ballpark's fire detection system.

The roof control system and the fire detection system upgrades are the biggest ticket items that the board members considered on Tuesday.

The fire detection system also is 20 years old, Duckett said, and replacing it was alsopart of the long-term plan for the upkeep of the ballpark.

The ballpark has about 1.2 million square feet of finished space that the fire detection system covers, Kreklow said.

Thefire detection system was put to use in July 2014 after a middle-of-the-night fire broke out in a restaurant area in the left field areaof the ballpark. The system triggered the ballpark's sprinkler system and alerted Milwaukee firefighters, who responded and extinguished the blaze.

The funds for the upgrades will come, in part, from proceeds of a 0.1% sales tax levied in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee and Racine counties. That sales tax, collected since 1996,was stopped in March. The funds were placed into an escrow account and are being used to maintain the stadium.

The state law that created thetaxallows the proceeds to be used only for costs related to the ballpark.

Among other spending items, members of the board also voted tospend $130,000 on a female locker room after the first female coach in Major League Baseball, Alyssa Nakken, began coaching this year for the San Francisco Giants.

San Francisco Giants first base coach Alyssa Nakken jogs to first base during the second inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.(Photo: Associated Press)

Meanwhile, the process of converting the lights that illuminate the playing field to LEDs has begun. The new LED lighting system has been delivered to the ballpark and installation will take place this off-season.

The new lights are expected to be ready for Opening Day 2021. The project has qualified for a $90,000 Focus on Energy rebate due to the energy savings that the new LEDswill provide, according to the stadium district. That money will be used tohelp offset the project cost.

The Milwaukee Brewers ballpark will be renamed American Family Field, beginning on Jan. 1, 2021, when American Family Insurance takes over the naming rights.

Thousands of signs must be changed at the ballpark, which has been known as Miller Park since it opened.

State law prevents the stadium district from incurring any expenses related to the name change, Kreklow said.

The Brewers pay a $1.2 million annual rental fee to the stadium district, and board members are expecting the ball club to ask for some form of rent forgiveness as a result of the pandemic-shortened MLB season in which fans were not allowed to attend games.

During the teleconference meeting on Tuesday, board members asked whether rent forgiveness or deferral was allowed under the lease agreement with the team.

While there is no specific clause in the lease that mentions a pandemic, there are other portions of the lease that likely address such a situation and would allow some sort of rent forgiveness or deferral, Duckett said.

Board members said they would take up the issue when and if the Brewers formally request it.

Contact Joe Taschler at (414) 224-2554or jtaschler@gannett.com. Followhimon Twitter at @JoeTaschler orFacebook atfacebook.com/joe.taschler.1.

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Drive system on Miller Park roof to be replaced as part of planned ballpark maintenance, board members decide - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

How to install metal roofing: Pros and cons, costs and a DIY-replacement

When someone is seeking advice on how to do roofing, which type of material is the most cost-efficient and which strategy to choose (DIY or hiring experts), it means that they have already stepped on the path of replacing a roofing system. Today, there is an array of roof types, and each of them has its advantages and drawbacks. When considering metal roofing as the most optimal type for a house, then its better to be ready to discover its strengths and weaknesses. Weighing all pros and cons of its installation, its possible to make a wise home renovation choice. The opetions are zinc, copper, aluminium and steel roofs.

Advantages of metal roofing

Investing in a new project you may be surprised at how much does metal roofing cost, as even if the price is the same or even higher than in shingle roof, you will get an excellent ROI in the long-run, as due to the reflective qualities of metal, it is more energy-efficient material that promotes the reduction of energy bills. And even if shingles roofs offer options for a variety of styles to meet the design expectations of homeowners, metal tends to be more impact resistant, durable, and eco-friendly. Also, the benefits of metal roofing types include:

Metal roofs sound to be like perfect material. However, before investing in Norfolk roofing installation services, it is still recommended to take into account some of its disadvantages. First of all, it will be a source of extra noise during rain or hail. Some explain this drawback by the lightness of the material, others think that poor installation can cause lots of annoying noises. The second option is more likely to happen, as in case of a professional approach and choosing the optimal thermal insulation material, extraneous sounds, as a rule, are not heard. Also, due to certain chemical properties, the iron roof still oxidizes over time, therefore it must be treated with certain anti-corrosion compounds or paint. Regular preventive maintenance to enlarge its lifespan and ensure ideal protection of your home from elements is required.

How to install metal roofing safely?

If you want to learn how to install metal roofing on your own, its important to be ready to pick the right metal option, to ensure correct measurement, to find suppliers of quality materials, remove old roof structure, take care of ventilation. Also, its important not forget about flashing to direct water and excessive moisture away from the roof to avoid leakage and damages. If you forget to include important components into the plan, you will fail to implement a DIY method. Its quite a complicated task that requires skills, knowledge, time, and resources. Also, its important to keep in mind safety considerations, as lots of Americans ignore security tips and often get injured while replacing or repairing this exterior element. Thus, make a smarter decision and hire experts like UBrothersConstruction to ensure great outcomes and hassle-free project execution.

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How to install metal roofing: Pros and cons, costs and a DIY-replacement - The Upcoming

HAMPTON U.S. Army veteran Charles Emmons has a new roof over his head, thanks to Total Roof Solutions, an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor, as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

Through a partnership with Purple Heart Homes, Emmons was selected and approved as the recipient for the roof replacement.

The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project is a nationwide effort to show gratitude and honor the veterans who served our country and the families who support them. Since the inception of this program in 2016, more than 225 military members have received new roofs.

For more information on the Roof Deployment Project, or to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact us at roofdeployment@owenscorning.com.

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free.Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution today.

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Hampton veteran receives new roof installed by Total Roof Solutions - Henry Herald

Q: I have a 10-year-old Ford E250 van and the roof is starting to rust. I took it to a body shop and they told me this was going to be a big job. They werent really interested in trying to fix it.

I love this big van, it carries people, stuff and tows my boat with ease. Any alternative ideas that might work?

A: Rust repair is all about the preparation. Could a good body shop sand, repair, prime and paint the roof of your van? Im sure they can. The problem is unless they routinely do restoration work many body shops would rather repair crash damage.

One possibility that I have seen work is painting the roof with the same material that is used for pickup truck bed-liners. The roof will have a slight pebble finish. Since you cant see the top of the roof, it wouldnt matter. The spray-on bedliner is a fairly low cost and virtually permanent repair.

Q: I'm moving to a house on a hill, and I am considering snow tires after I got stuck near my house in a freak snowstorm last year. According to a consumer magazine, though snow tires do better in snow and ice than all-season tires, they do much worse than all-seasons in wet braking.

Since a lot of the snow I'd be driving in would be salted, and since rain seems more common in winter now with global warning, would you bother? I drive a 2009 Toyota Prius and it is my only car.

A: If the type of driving takes you out before the snowplows and the hill you live on is slippery, then there is nothing better than four winter tires.

All-season tires are a compromise, they have to work year-round. Although, with most drivers they tend to be okay in deep snow or very cold temperatures, they are not quite as good.

The publication is correct that dedicated winter tires are not quite as good in wet weather, but my experience is they are still quite good.

If this was my Prius, I would install four winter tires near the end of November and take them off mid-April.

Q: For my next winter car, I want to move in the direction of electric but read that electric cars are considerably less efficient in cold weather.

Would you consider a front-wheel drive electric car with winter tires such as a Hyundai Kona over a typical all-wheel-drive with a gasoline engine for driving in the Northeast?

There are few all-wheel-drive electrics, but I see plug-in hybrid vehicles as placeholders albeit a step in the right direction.

Lastly, how long before we see fluoride-based batteries replace the current options in cars?

A: Battery development is constantly changing. In just the 30 years or so that I have been involved with electric vehicle, batteries were the biggest issue. In fact, from the turn of the last century until the 1990s, batteries for electric cars didnt change that much.

Today, it is the combination of new battery designs coupled with sophisticated battery management systems which is making some of the biggest improvements in electric vehicles.

One of the latest near-future battery developments comes from a company called Nanotech Energy that is using graphene-based energy storage, rather than Lithium-Ion.

Electric vehicles are getting better all the time with many offering range in excess of 250 miles. The Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro, Tesla Model-Y and the Chevrolet Bolt are all god choices.

John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put "Car Doctor" in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.

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Car Doctor: Solution for rusted roof - The Providence Journal

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Arrowhead High School(Photo: Bob Dohr / Now News Group)

When voters head to the polls on Nov. 3, in addition to deciding on the next U.S. president, voters in the Arrowhead Union High School District will also have to decidewhether to approve a $1.7 million per year referendum.

Here's what voters should know before going to the polls:

If approved, the referendum would address only the highest prioritized needs of technology, facility and site infrastructure improvements.

What it would do: Specifically, the referendum would replace the oldest, leaking areas of roofing; replaceand repairthe most aging air handling units for heating and air conditioning; updatetechnology infrastructure for safety and up-to-date usage; updateor repairsome building structures; repair or replacesome parking lots/roadways and improvesome stormwater management systems, according to information on the district website.

What it would not do: The district said the referendum wouldnot fix all ongoing infrastructure updates and repairs; would not pay for operating costs, including utilities, supplies, employee compensation, programs or services for students; would not add new structures such as new building/storage additions, new theater, new pool or new athletic facilities and would not provide major classroom or instructional upgrades.

The referendum carries a tax impact of 25 cents per $1,000 of property value,which the district said would maintain the 1999 referendum debt payment amount for another five years.

A homeowner with a $300,000 home would pay $75 per year toward the referendum. That is justpart of the total tax rate for the school district, however.

If the referendum passes,the school district tax rate is expected to be $2.91 per $1,000 of property value for the 2020-21 school year.

If the referendum does not pass, the 2020-21 school year tax rate is expected to be $2.66 per $1,000 of property value.

The 2019-20 tax rate was $2.88 per $1,000; in 2018-19, it was $3.07 per $1,000.

Arrowhead Superintendent Laura Myrah said the district's 2020-21 budget has not been finalized yet because the statehas not yet released final aid amounts to schools. She said the state must do so,by law, by Oct.15.Myrah said the district will then make any adjustments to its budget for the Arrowhead School Board to review and then approve at the end of October.

Since the district's voters lastpassed a referendum in 1999, the school's basic building, site and technology infrastructure has aged and become outdated, according to the district.

In the last 12 years, the district has completed $16.4 million in capital projects from its operating budget, an average of about $1.4 million per year. As district funding from state and federal sources decreases, the district said itcannot continue to pay for the increasing number of necessary infrastructure improvements without directly affecting the budget allocated to instructional programs and services for students.

Arrowhead's 1999 referendum was for 20 years with a $1.7 million repayment expense per year;the last payment on that loan was made in March. If this referendum passes, the district would extend the payments, leaving no long-term debt and no interest payments.

The district also said its costs have been increasing for expenses such as health insurance, transportation/busing, utilities, liability/workers' compensation insurance and textbooks. At the same time, the district said revenue from the statehas been decreasing, based primarily on declining student enrollment.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, school district revenue limits are established based on three factors: enrollment, an inflationary increment and each district's prior year controlled revenue.

The district has taken on numerous strategies in an attempt to balance the budget, including: deferringfacility infrastructure and capital improvement projects; sharing services with other districts, such as health insurance and busing; reducing faculty and support staff and increasingclass sizes; reducing staff benefits; maintainingfewer administrator positions than the regional average; continuingcompetitive bidding for projects over $15,000; implementing energy savings strategies; freezing classroom/department/co-curricular budgets; solicitingdonations; increasing fees for parking and co-curricular participation and enhancing marketing strategies to increase student enrollment.

The most recent referendum question voters decided on was in April 2017. That year, voters turned down a $36.68 million referendum that would have been used for campus maintenance improvements and upgrades in instructional areas.

In November 2016, voters turned down a $64.7 million referendum that would have paid for classroom and instructional renovations, as well as a new swimming pool and expanded auditorium.

ContactAlec Johnson at(262) 875-9469 oralec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.

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Here's what to know about the proposed $8.5 million Arrowhead Union High School District referendum - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jon Pompia|The Pueblo Chieftain

In November, property owners who reside within the expansive Pueblo County School District 70 will be asked to improve all schools by approving a $75 million bond that would see no new tax increase implemented.

Ballot Measure 4A would raise funds for schools in Pueblo West, the Mesa and the Mountain Region without a tax increase, through the restructuring of bond debt already on the books.

If approved, the bond would provide more than $6 million for infection control and COVID 19-mitigation measures, and security camera system and intercom replacements and upgrades, at all schools.

This series will examine how the bond funds would be spent at each school.

SOUTH MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (BUILT IN 1959) WOULD RECEIVE $3.9 MILLION IN BOND FUNDS:

UPGRADE ROOF

The existing roof has reached the end of its expected life and would bereplaced with a new, high-quality roof system with a life span of 22 to 30 years. It is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly and would include a redesign to improve drainage.

SECURE ROOF ACCESS

To prevent unauthorized access to the roof, fencing and/or secure ladders would be installed to secure all access points.

REPLACE SELECT EXTERIOR DOORS

The aging exterior wood doors would be replaced with new metal doors to improve function and security.

UPGRADE ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The buildings antiquated electrical distribution system would be upgraded to eliminate safety concerns and accommodate an increased demand due to modern teaching tools such as computers and tablets.

NEW HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM AND CONTROLS

The existing heating/cooling equipment is outdated and inefficient. Replacing this failing equipment with new high-efficiency systems wouldbring the building up to code, eliminate maintenance issues, and lower energy consumption. New controls for these systems would be integrated into the districts control system to optimize performance and provide a more comfortable environment for building occupants.

NEW KITCHEN HEATING/COOLING

The kitchens heating system would bereplaced with a new, high-efficiency system that adds cooling to provide a more comfortable work environment.

REPLACE CAFETERIA PARKING LOT

The cafeteria staff parking area and sidewalks would berepaved and replaced, and the dumpsters relocated to the north on a separate concrete pad.

REPLACE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

The outdated playground equipment would be removed, and new equipment installed further from the building to help with drainage issues. The new equipment would expand the play area, be ADA compliant, and meet modern equipment safety standards.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND LUNCH AREA

The area north of the cafeteria would be transformed into an outdoor classroom/lunch area with a concrete pad and an open-side pole barn to provide shade and protection from the elements.

South Mesa Elementary is over 60 years old and is in need of attention," said Principal Shad Glenn. "The school was well built but over time, it hasbecome evident that the building is in need of structural repairs and upgrades in order to bring it up to code. It is not only important for the building itself to be updated but it is necessary for the students, staff and community members to feel safe both inside and out.

"There is a big concern that if the updates/upgrades do not happen, then eventually South Mesa will be dealing with larger issues in regard to infrastructure: which in turn directly affects the safety and overall learning environment of our students as well as impacts the community use and availability of the facility.

Chieftain reporter Jon Pompia can be reached by email at jpompia@chieftain.com or at twitter.com/jpompia.

Read more from the original source:
After 61 years, South Mesa Elementary is in need of attention - Pueblo Chieftain