The Pawtucket Library is undergoing major renovations to protect its buildings from water damage and preserve them.
Water intrusion has caused damage over the years to the interior of the library’s Sayles Building. The top is being repointed.
After the east and western wings of the Sayles Building have been repointed, no water will enter the building.
Susan Reed, the Library director said that the repointing will be funded through grants from both the Champlin Foundation as well as the Simon W. Wardwell Foundation. It is anticipated to be completed by fall next year.
Repairs are being made to the roof of the Sayles Building, including its gutters and skylights. This is to prevent any future infiltration.
Reed stated that the decorative plaster in the main library floor was also damaged by water from roof drains. The roof repairs are expected to be completed very soon.
The roofing is funded by a number of sources, such as the State Preservation Grant awarded by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission; the Community Block Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (CDBG), obtained through the Department of Planning and Redevelopment of the City, and finally the public building bonds of the city.
Reed stated that the roofing works, completed by Silktown Roofing Inc. during daylight hours and good weather, will take place. Reed assures library patrons they won’t experience any disruptions to service during this time and the library will stay open.
Since the summer, fire sprinklers have been installed in Burns Building of the library. It was originally a post office, built in 1897. The ceilings have been removed and water pipes installed.
Tower Construction Corporation is funding the project with public bond money. The majority of the work takes place in early morning.
The library renovations have taken years to complete, starting with the certified grant from the local government a few year ago.
Reed explained that they were unable to determine what needed to be repaired first.
Then, we got the grant. A company came in to assess the building. They set up a priority.
Reed says that at first they attempted to fix the problems themselves, but it was never resolved.
She said, “It’s like applying a Band-Aid to it. That is why we need the grant. It will give us the correct way to go about it and the priority it deserves.”
Reed stated that it took five years to get all the funds to start the project.
Reed said that the interior repairs of the Sayles Building will constitute phase two, and will begin after the exterior repairs have been completed.
She said that it was always best to wait one year before completing any type of project.
Reed continued, “We would like to be able to provide our services in a facility for a long time.”
The importance of water damage restoration is essential to minimizing the damaging effects that water incidents can have on your property. Water damage restoration services include rapid water removal, thorough drying and mold remediation. Professional services will ensure efficient mitigation and prevent further damages, mold growth, or potential health risks. It is important to act quickly in order to preserve your property and ensure a habitable and safe environment. Water damage cleanup specialists by experts not only protects your home, but gives you peace of mind knowing your property will be in good hands throughout the process. If you are interested in getting better information and finding out in more detail about the services we offer, you can see more here Imperial Restoration water and flood damage restoration Toronto.
