Click here to see photos of the work that was done to the steeple and clock of the church during the Fall of 2009.
The first order of work was to re-structure the base of the existing Clock Level where there was rot damage in some of the Post and Beam connections. After this work was done the Steeple could be jacked up to straighten it to a plumb condition. The work involved using structural members (LVL’s-laminated beams) bolted to the existing beams. Like work was also done at the roof level under of the Spire. This was done to support the added weight of the AZEK on the Spire, the required wind loads, and to correctly transfer those load down to the structure. More extensive rot damage was found at the Clock Level when the rear window was removed. This area had to be rebuilt to frame out the window and support the wall.
The Spire Structure, which resembles the construction of an Indian Tee Pee, had one member that we knew had rot at the bottom where it attached to the roof. As we went up on the lift to inspect the Spire two large holes in the siding were found. The holes looked to be created by a woodpecker (see photo below). When the siding was removed from this area, the structural member was found to be rotted for about six feet of its length. After this member was repaired, the new AZEK sheathing was applied.
At the Clock Level a closer inspection revealed some major gaps between the boards faces of the Clock. From the ground, they had appeared intact but, if not corrected, water could get in and cause new damage down the road. The siding and clock faces were removed and plywood was installed, creating a flat surface, then the clock faces were re-built. When removing the fascia and soffit boards, it was found that the supporting structure was no longer securely fastened to the Steeple. The nails securing it had rusted and rotted away. This structure was rebuilt and the new material added.
To maintain the horizontal board look that had developed over the years due to movement of the boards and the layers and cracking of the paint, tongue and groove siding was used to re-create that look in the gable area and the recess of the porch area. The massive columns and band beam around the building were kept flat using the full panel sheets.
The decking and stair material was removed and replaced with the low maintenance material that will not require repainting. The color on all the material used is solid throughout. When removing a section that was replaced during the previous cell work, it was found that the nails had already rusted off, and the floor boards were starting to lift. The three windows on the recessed porch were the source of much discussion: to replace them with double pane windows or leave them as a historic feature. The glass on the existing windows has an old wavy texture which is not available today. As the windows are protected from the elements by the recess, and the cost to replace them is high, it was decided to keep the original windows.