On-post housing roof repairs, replacements underway

By Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs OfficeOctober 2, 2024

A crew works on roof repairs of a home Oct. 1 on Neal Street. They are repairing damage from a storm earlier this year.
A crew works on roof repairs of a home Oct. 1 on Neal Street. They are repairing damage from a storm earlier this year. (Photo Credit: Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office, VISION ID FH875) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Crews are currently repairing or replacing roofs of on-post family houses that were damaged during a storm earlier this year.

According to DJ Keeney, with Fort Leonard Wood Homes — the installation’s housing partner— the project is large but running smoothly.

“Prior coordination, enhanced with positive resident interactions through social media, emails and door notices has greatly increased our effectiveness of operations,” he said. “The communities and partner are fully embracing our efforts.”

Keeney said residents were notified two weeks prior to the start of the project via email, then they are notified again 48 to 72 hours out from their house being worked on.

“This notice is delivered in person or posted on the occupants’ door. Spot checks on this process are completed via phone to ensure proper notification and validation of processes,” he said.

With the number of crews working on the project, Keeney said he expects it to take about two days per house and estimates the work will be completed within about 90 days, though the work is weather dependent and may be delayed due to inclement weather.

“While we plan to work during weekday hours only, there may be times when weekend work is necessary,” Keeney wrote in a message to residents. “We will communicate any weekend work plans in advance.”

Representatives from both the roofing contractor and Fort Leonard Wood Homes will be present while work is being completed, and the contractor will use an open space behind homes along Rolla Street, in the Eagle Point neighborhood, as a material laydown area — Eagle Point received the majority of the storm damage, Keeney said.

“This area is closed off with fencing for the project's duration,” he said.

Residents should be aware that the work will involve noise, Keeney said, though the hours will be limited to 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — with a potential to extend work some days to 7 p.m. to finish the project before winter. And while the roofing crew will need outside access to a designated roof point of access, power supply, driveway and backyard area, the contractors are not authorized inside houses, attics or garages without special permission.

While work is being done, residents should be aware of potential damage to personal property, including vehicles, Keeney said, noting vibrations from the work may cause items, such as mirrors and picture frames, to fall. Additionally, outdoor items, such as patio furniture, potted plants and grills should be removed from around the house to avoid work delays. Vehicles should also be moved from car ports, driveways and curbs close to the house during the repair process. Items stored in garages and attics may need to be moved as well. Neither the roofing contractor or Fort Leonard Wood Homes will be responsible for the removal or cleaning of items dirtied or damaged, though clean up and disposal of debris will be performed each day, when work is complete.

“A magnetic roller will be utilized to pick up metal debris,” Keeney said. “Please be advised that a few nails or other debris hidden in the grass or shrubbery may possibly remain.”

Keeney asked residents to be extra vigilant when entering or exiting construction zones, and to keep small children and pets away from the work area.

“Safety is our No. 1 priority,” he said.

Mike Estright, chief of the Directorate of Public Works’ Housing Division, added he wants the process to be as painless as possible for residents.

“We are here to assist with any concerns that arise during the recovery operations,” Estright said. “We are in Building 470, Room 1217, and available to assist or answer any questions, complaints or disputes residents may have during, or after, Fort Leonard Wood Homes roof contract work is complete.”

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the repair work is asked to call the community management office at 573.329.0122. For general, housing-related questions, the Housing Division may be reached by calling 573.596.0984.