Problems with the roof

Contractors performing roof repairs over the summer at Glen Oaks Community College uncovered numerous problems, college officials learned last week.

Heather DeKorte, senior project architect at Grand Rapids-based Soils and Materials Engineers Inc., said cracks in the weatherproofing are the main culprit for the problems.

The discovery was made as workers were correcting the perimeter leaks. The problem is the result of the roof being improperly installed by a subcontractor for Laurenco Systems.

The 18-year-old roof has a 25-year warranty, but school officials have not been successful in pursuing the issue with Laurenco, Glen Oaks officials said.

Initial leaks have been fixed, DeKorte said, and measures were taken to drain water from the building. Also, skylights that are no longer structurally sound will be replaced.

Trustees encouraged administrators to consider taking legal action against Laurenco.