Arlington Heights Memorial Library plans roof replacement

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library plans to spend more than $400,000 to replace the 21-year-old roof on a portion of its building.

Interim Executive Director Mike Driskell said the roof atop the 1978 building addition, located on the south end of the facility, is showing signs of age with cracks and blistering. There are no leaks, as crews have been diligent with preventive maintenance, but Driskell said the time has come for a new roof.

The average life of a commercial roof is just under 20 years, according to an industry standard, and the last time the roof was replaced on the 1978 building was 21 years ago.

The current roof of the original 1968 building is now 10 years old and the 1994 building roof is seven years old.

The roof on the 1978 building was due for replacement last year, but it was deferred due to other projects, project cost increases, and the current condition of the roof, Driskell said.

Library officials budgeted $425,000 for the project this year. The library board is expected to vote Feb. 20 to hire Building Consultants, Ltd. for $16,050 for engineering services for the project.

After seeking bids, library officials hope to start construction in late April or early May. It won't require a closure of that portion of the library, Driskell said.