1) The front of the sanctuary

In the past couple of winters, we have had water dripping from the ceiling over the choir area, especially in warmer temperatures following a winter cold snap.

It’s puzzling. This is the latest theory.

A few years ago, we replaced all the pot lights in the ceiling with energy efficient LED lights.

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Factors that seem to come into play:

• The cavities containing the original pot lights are now empty, with no vapour barrier, and no insulation.
• The new lights do not generate heat like the original ones did. Heat from the old pot lights may have dispersed any condensation, whereas now frost can build up in colder weather. When the weather warms up, the frost melts.
• The only corner exposed to two cold walls is the music corner. Perhaps that is why it is the one with the freezing condensation in the roof cavity.

The plan is to insert vapour barriers and fill the pot light cavities with insulation.

Two lights have have received this treatment, and that seems to work.

At least 6 more are yet to be completed. The work has not yet been scheduled.

2) The foyer and office wing

This is the expensive part.

Last winter we had water pouring into the foyer from the ceiling. Remember the buckets?

The paint has been touched up, but the damage is still apparent in the foyer.

There is evidence of leakage in the stained ceiling in the office wing across from the pastor’s office.

Why so many problems?

The situation is challenging due to multiple buildings and additions being connected together, with different types of roofing.

There is a complex combination of shingled slopes, flat tar and gravel and low sloped tar and gravel.

Where the sections come together is problematic.

Past attempts have been made but problems persist.

What needs to be done?

A tar and gravel roof typically has a long lifespan – up to 20 or 25 years – but, like shingles, the tar and gravel must eventually be removed and replaced.

The Building Committee put this section out to tender.

The winning bid was by Arcand Roofing in Lloydminster, to replace all the tar and gravel roofing over the office wing (the old rectory) and the foyer.

The puzzle of the various roof angles and the previous leakage problems will require more than simply replacing the tar and gravel, such as:

• Removing the old tar and gravel
• Replacing flashing
• Fastening 2″ insulation board to the roof surface
• Strapping over top of the insulation board
• Papering over the strapping
• Installing standing seam over the insulation

What’s the cost?

Arcand’s quote is for $17,377, plus any unforeseen extras such as rotten wood or mold due to past leakage.

The Parish Finance Committee and the Archdiocese have approved the expenditure. The work should be done soon, preferably this summer.

Fund Raising

The parish needs your generous donation.

As of August 18, 2021, donations to date total $5,750.

You can donate via:

• Cheque (mail or deliver to the office)
• Interac E-transfer (see Donate)
• Online E-Donation via credit card (see Donate)
  (fees apply)

Be sure to specify “Roof Repair” with each type of donation.

Charitable donation tax receipts will be issued.