WILLMAR -- The contractor, who an architect said didn't follow designs that led to roof leaks last summer at the new airport terminal, assured the Willmar City Council that any defects in workmanship will be honored.
"Everstrong Construction fully intends to honor its responsibilities and will work with the design professionals to remedy any problems at the airport now and if anything happens in the future,'' said Paul U'Ren of Willmar, one of Everstrong's owners.
U'Ren spoke to the council Monday during the open forum "to dispel some of the concepts'' that were raised during the council's Public Works/Safety Committee meeting last week about terminal roof leaks.
Committee members and airport consultants discussed at length problems associated with water leaks at the new terminal building. Working through the consultants and building architects, plans are underway to make additional building and site grading improvements to address water issues, said Ron Christianson in a report to the council on the committee meeting.
A letter from Gunnar Unger, an airport architect with consultant Bonestroo of St. Paul, to City Public Works Director Mel Odens said the primary leak source is the juncture between the insulated metal wall panels and metal roofing.
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The letter said the colored metal flashing was not installed according to details, but rather according to a contractor-modified version. Had the flashing been installed according to drawings, the system would not have leaked, the letter said.
"I am here to attest to the city of Willmar that they have a well-constructed building that will last them well into the future,'' U'Ren said. "There are some water intrusion issues, but they are being dealt with.''
U'Ren said it's true that the roof flashing does not look exactly like the drawings because of field applications, but the design intent was always followed.
Regarding comments made at the committee meeting that Everstrong was too busy to work with the design professionals, U'Ren said, "I live only two miles from the airport and have for 32 years, and all of my subs are from the local area.
"I believe if someone had asked the airport manager as far as Everstrong's responses, I believe the story would be a little bit different,'' he said.
In a Dec. 11 letter to Unger, U'Ren said he did not agree with Unger's statement that the flashing was not installed according to plan details. U'Ren said a close look at the details, or lack of details, does show that Everstrong did follow the plans with the exception of any areas that may have had to be modified to accommodate the proper installation of the roof.
U'Ren repeated his assurance that Everstrong and its subcontractors will honor any defect in workmanship. He said changes to the scope of work will result in additional charges assessed on time and materials.
U'Ren said the roof work will be completed in the spring when the weather is warmer to provide a better installation. No council members asked any questions about the roof issue, and the council received the committee report as information.
