Benchmark Service: Construction Phase Services
Issue:
Benchmark was providing part-time construction observation services during a roof replacement project on four sections of a high school building when an unprecedented derecho weather event struck the area. A derecho is a widespread, long-lived windstorm, typically associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms, recognized for producing intense straight-line winds and causing significant damage across large regions. This historic storm not only disrupted the roofing project but also caused extensive damage to the high school building and the surrounding community.
After the storm passed, Benchmark’s consultant assessed the damage and found the new roof installation had only minimal harm. However, nearby areas were impacted, including missing siding and damaged HVAC ductwork. Other sections of the high school roof sustained severe damage, causing leaks throughout the building.
The school district quickly asked the roofing contractor to pause the replacement project and focus on the storm damage. They were tasked with making critical roof repairs and assessing damage for insurance purposes. The scope soon expanded to include five other district buildings, all significantly affected by the storm.
Solution:
The roofing contractor promptly mobilized resources, arriving with additional crew members, ladders, tarps, and a trailer of roofing materials. Their initial assessment revealed that the gymnasium's main roof, a 40' x 100' section, had blown off. This also destroyed two perimeter roof drain assemblies. Upon further inspection, numerous punctures in the roof membranes were identified, caused by airborne debris. Several rooftop HVAC units were missing, leaving gaps at their curbs, and all roof sections required significant cleanup due to substantial debris from the storm.
Day-by-Day Response
Day 1: The team began by cleaning debris and preparing the high school's damaged roof sections for temporary repair. Materials were ordered and expedited for delivery later that day. Immediate repair efforts focused on stabilizing the gymnasium's roof to minimize water intrusion.
Day 2: The team completed a temporary overlay to secure the gymnasium roof. Work continued on other high school roof sections, and the crew assisted school personnel with the removal of fallen, hazardous trees near the site.
Day 3: While part of the crew finished high school repairs, the other crew began efforts at the district's education agency. There, they secured large tarps on roof sections where asphalt shingles had blown away, leaving sheathing exposed. Later, they moved to the intermediate school, addressing a 3-foot parapet wall that had toppled, damaging the east roof section.
Day 4: Repairs to the intermediate school were completed, and work continued on the damaged roofs of the middle school and high school.
Day 5: The contractor finished repairs on one of the elementary schools. At the conclusion of this emergency response phase,the roofing contractor had stabilized all storm-damaged sites, preventing water infiltration ahead of further rain.
Post-Effort Transition: At the conclusion of the emergency repair phase, the roofing contractor returned to the original roof replacement project at the high school. Upon completing cleanup and reorganization, tear-off activities resumed as planned.
Throughout this period, Benchmark played a pivotal role in daily construction observation. Their daily reports, complete with photos and documentation, meticulously tracked roof damage and emergency repairs.
Impact:
The rapid mobilization and collaborative efforts of Benchmark, the roofing contractor, and the school district yielded critical benefits during a time of crisis.
Immediate Mitigation of Damage: Over five days, emergency repairs prevented further water damage across five school buildings. This swift response protected both the structures and their contents from further harm during subsequent rainstorms.
Enhanced Documentation for Insurance: Benchmark’s detailed reporting ensured the school district had comprehensive records of the damage and repairs. This documentation proved invaluable in expediting the district's insurance claims, especially as the carrier was overwhelmed with similar claims across the region.
Expedited Insurance Approvals: With Benchmark’s thorough records and the roofing contractor’s efficient work, the district’s insurance carrier authorized reimbursement for emergency repair costs and additional full roof replacements for severely affected sections.
Operational Resilience: By rapidly stabilizing the facilities, the impacted schools were able to continue serving their communities without major disruptions.
The coordinated effort between Benchmark, the roofing contractor, and the school district exemplifies the importance of adaptability and professionalism in addressing unforeseen challenges. Their expert handling of this crisis underscores Benchmark’s commitment to delivering reliable, client-focused infrastructure solutions, even under the most demanding conditions.
