Our initial reaction to hearing about the roof needing to be replaced.
For the past few years, the Woodson Art Museum staff had concerns about the roof on the original structure – the 1930 Cotswold-style home. Occasional leaks and large ice dams from the past two winters prompted a closer look. Last spring, the roof looked healthy and vibrant and we expected the original clay tiles to experience many more happy returns. We lied to ourselves.
When the Woodson’s design-build partner, The Samuels Group, replaced the windows in the original structure, they noticed portions of the roof needing immediate attention. We saw it, too. The news was sudden, but wasn’t shocking. It just would be another hurdle to jump.
In making the decision to replace the roof, we agreed to keep the look of the old roof, although similar heavy clay tiles would not be workable. Fortunately, DECRA® tile, a steel product, which looks like clay, was an option. Because of its light weight, durability, and aesthetic qualities, it will put new life in the roof.
As project coordinator, I am working with The Samuels Group and Quality Roofing from Marshfield to complete the job by the opening of Birds in Art this fall. If you come to the Museum during the next few weeks to see Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar, you might notice large pieces of construction equipment and barricades to ensure visitor safety. I can assure you these will be gone before September rolls around. By that time, the lie we told ourselves will become true.
