Kennebunkport, Maine’s South Congregational Church received a long overdue renovation recently, following water damage that was discovered in the structure’s 135 foot steeple. The 187 year old structure began to show visible signs of water damage last year, with leaks and water stains appearing in the church’s main entrance.
Subsequent inspection of the damaged areas revealed considerable damage to the bell platform located within the steeple, but once restoration crews began working on the problem, they quickly discovered that the water damage was far more extensive than they first determined.
Water had also damaged many of the decorative tops along the steeple columns, as well as the hidden hatches at the mast level that secure the weathervane. Water had also compromised the integrity of the upper roof and four of the eight support columns. The cost of the repair project rapidly ballooned from a conservative $40,000 to a jaw dropping $150,000, far more than the church’s regular operating budget could absorb.
The church put out the need among its members, who responded promptly by providing the needed funds for a complete steeple renovation. Community members also made donations to the project, namely because the church is such a historical structure.
Unfortunately, the weathervane, which was an original piece installed in 1836, had suffered considerable deterioration, and once it was taken down the decision was made to simply replace it rather than try to restore it. The vane had rotted to the point where any repair work was unlikely.
A replacement weathervane was made using similar materials and built from the same drawings and plans that were used in the original construction.
The renovation was completed last week when the new weathervane was installed atop the steeple. The final construction step was witnessed by a crowd of onlookers consisting of church members and others from the community.
Water Damage Local.com provides water damage restoration for homes, businesses, and even historic churches. They have a full staff of trained professionals, proficient on the latest equipment and procedures, and can take care of all your water damage restoration needs.
Contact Water Damage Local.com today for a free estimate or phone consultation.
No comments:
Post a Comment