Marietta City School District has had a busy summer with regards to renovations in each of the four buildings.
“Our main summer project was to replace the 30 plus year old roofs on Washington and Phillips,” stated Darrell Prim, Facilities & Transportation Manager.
Neither roof had sprung any leaks yet, but both were on the cusp of having major issues which would likely have led to damage to other parts of the buildings.
Prim noted that over the years the buildings have tried several types of roofs ranging from tar, gravel and spray foam but that each had its own set of issues. “It was time to take it back to the roof deck and then add the 60 mil EPDM rubber roof on a clean base.”
EDPM stands for “ethylene propylene diene terpolymer” which is a standard rubber roofing that comes in 45 or 60 mil thickness. It’s known for being durable, flexible, easy to repair and extremely efficient.
In addition to the roof project, multiple schools have had flooring renovations this summer. Phillips and the High School both had vinyl wood laminate put over the previous tile flooring. At the high school the flooring renovations extended over into the auditorium. The choir storeroom, steps leading down from the auditorium stage to the band room and the choir office were all fully replaced. The flooring was done by Buckeye Carpet Outlet, who generously donated the materials and labor for the choir office.
Washington was due to replace their hardwood flooring, due to water damage from a busted pipe in December of 2022. The resulting water damage left much of the second and first floor, including the main office, warped and ruined. The new wood flooring has been installed, sanded and is receiving its final protective finish.
The length of this process has made much of the building inaccessible for most of the summer. Cheryl Cook, Principal of Washington School, discussed the difficulties of trying to prepare for a new year around such an extensive remodel. “The beautiful floors are truly worth the wait! However, timing has been a challenge. Teachers have not been able to work in their rooms as early as they would have liked.”
Despite the challenges, the new floors have been quite the hit with returning employees. “Everyone who has seen the new flooring has been excited. The new wood creates a light, welcoming atmosphere for our school .”
Full list of renovations broken down by school:
Washington:
- New rubber roof
- New hardwood flooring across first and second floor
- Annual maintenance for playground including new mulch and grass seeding
Phillips:
- New rubber roof
- Encapsulated old tile with vinyl wood laminate flooring
- Lockers pulled out and replaced with shelves in teachers rooms
- Resealed parking lot
MES:
- Locker replacements on third floor
MHS:
- Encapsulated old tile with vinyl wood laminate
- Replaced flooring in Auditorium, walkway to band and choir practice rooms.