Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sublette, Illinois, is a historical landmark within the community. Since 1905, the church has carried on the tradition of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, which can be traced back to 1495 from its Cretan monastery roots. After years of exposure to elements, the historic building’s asphalt shingles had weathered, resulting in multiple leaks and damage to the steeple. Church leaders reached out to Boss Roofing-Siding Experts in Rock Falls, Illinois, to assess the damage and come up with a solution.
“We were approached by the administration of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, given our reputation for handling complex roofing projects with a focus on historical preservation,” recalls Brick Boss, president of Boss Roofing-Siding Experts. “Our expertise in blending modern roofing technology with the nuanced requirements of landmark buildings made us a fitting choice for this restoration.”
The project would be a challenging one under tight time constraints. The roof was comprised of approximately 10,000 square feet of area at a 21/12 pitch and another 1,500 square feet at a 68/12 pitch. In order to meet the needs of the steep slope roof within the church’s resources, Boss Roofing-Siding Experts chose GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles in Pewter Gray for their affordability, durability, low maintenance and easy installation.
Challenges Abound
Boss Roofing-Siding Experts had to ensure that the work was done safely and with extra care to preserve the integrity of the building. The repairs were completed in two phases over a three-week period.
“The first phase involved the careful removal of the old roofing, followed by the installation of the new asphalt shingle system,” Boss explains. “The second phase was dedicated to the steeple restoration, requiring precise craftsmanship and attention to detail to ensure both structural integrity and historical accuracy.”
Along with the Timberline HDZ Shingles, the crew from Boss Roofing-Siding Experts installed GAF FeltBuster synthetic underlayment, GAF WeatherWatch Ice & Water Leak Barrier, GAF Seal-A-Ridge, and GAF Pro‑Start Starter Strip Shingles.
“Working at a height of approximately 150 feet presented significant safety and technical challenges,” notes Boss. “Removing the old shingles at this height without letting the debris fall required meticulous workmanship. Additionally, we had safety concerns with power lines to work around while working at extreme heights out of a lift. Weather and scheduling were managed tightly to minimize disruption to the church’s operations.”
Tackling the Steeple
The technically complex steeple needed to be handled with extra caution. Working closely with the church, Boss Roofing-Siding Experts set up a scaffolding to provide safe access while ensuring the work didn’t disrupt the church’s ongoing activities.
“Safety was paramount, given the project’s height and complexity,” Boss says. “We implemented rigorous safety protocols, including specialized equipment for high-altitude work and comprehensive training for our team. Regular safety audits ensured that we maintained the highest safety standards throughout the project.”
The successful completion of the project provided a resilient roof system and revitalized a beautiful church at the heart of a community. Church leaders and parishioners were grateful that the work was completed in such a short timeframe, and its members can now have peace of mind knowing that its roof is protected from the elements for years to come.
“This project showcases our strengths in managing complex roofing installations, particularly in preserving historical landmarks,” says Boss. “Our ability to navigate technical challenges, adhere to strict safety standards, and deliver aesthetically and structurally sound solutions underlines our expertise and dedication to excellence.”
Honored beyond the community, Boss Roofing-Siding Experts was named a Gold Award winner in ARMA’s 2024 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards for its work on the project.
“Boss Roofing-Siding Experts has not just restored a church roof; they’ve preserved a piece of history,” states ARMA Executive Vice President Reed Hitchcock. “The Gold Award from ARMA is a tribute to their meticulous work on the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, setting a high bar for the roofing industry.”
“Winning the Gold ARMA Award was an incredible honor,” Boss says. “It validated our hard work and dedication to excellence in roofing, especially in challenging projects that require a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This recognition has been a highlight for our team and reinforces our commitment to quality and innovation.”
TEAM
Roofing Contractor: Boss Roofing-Siding Experts, Rock Falls, Illinois, bossroofingsiding.com
MATERIALS
Materials
Shingles: Timberline HDZ Shingles, GAF, gaf.comhttp://gaf.com
Underlayment: FeltBuster Synthetic Roofing Felt, GAF
Leak Barrier: GAF WeatherWatch Ice & Water, GAF
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