Flathead County Library Director Teri Dugan said issues with the roof at the Bigfork branch are not impacting operations at this time, but that could change heading into winter.

The roof was not part of the recent remodeling of the Bigfork library, Dugan said. The south side of the roof has a damaged snowbreak, paint deterioration and corrosion, and moisture logged roof decking, according to a recent report from Big West Building Services LLC. The estimated cost for repairs is $5,600.  

Prolonged gutter clogging and moisture retention are what led to the problems, according to the report. The deteriorated decking has roof fasteners pulling out, due to pine needles under the eave. 

At the board of trustees’ August meeting, Dugan said the first contractor she reached out to describe the roof as in very bad condition and estimated $8,000 for repairs. Seeking a second opinion, she reached out to members of the library remodel’s capital campaign committee who worked closely with the builders.  

Their recommendations led Dugan to Big West Building Services, which recommended using straps to attach the roof on the south side (to better secure it) then cleaning out the gutters and installing gutter guards to prevent future rotting.  

“There is some moisture and rotting of the wood. It’s mostly on the side where the lake is, getting weather coming up from the lake ... this contractor came up with a solution for us, because I explained we can’t really afford a new roof at this time. It’s in our capital improvement plan, but we don’t have the money as of now, we’re saving it,” Dugan said.  

Board Chair David Ingram said they allocated the roof replacement into their capital improvement project funds but haven’t put money into it yet because they thought the roof was in decent condition.  

“A metal, 20-year roof,” Ingram said.  

He said they can prioritize it when the board revisits capital improvement funds.  

During discussion, Trustee Doug Adams said he had concerns about the effectiveness of the gutter guards, adding that the debris would continue to accumulate unless someone blows it off. He suggested removing the gutters entirely to avoid rot in from winter moisture, among other measures.  

No action was taken on the roof, but Ingram said that the board will reapproach the topic at their next meeting, which takes place Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. in the South Campus Conference Room located at 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell. 

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].