Our work mainly involved removing decayed shingle siding and reflashing areas. We used solid copper flashings as they do not deteriorate like standard galvanized steel flashings. We want this work to last a long time so it is wise to use quality materials. Once the copper flashings were in place we then installed new red cedar shingles back in place. The main framing members on the steeple all were solid and in good condition.

We replaced vaious mouldings and trim boards and painted the steeple. It looks great and should serve the congregation well for many more years.

The first task on a project like this is getting safe access established for the workers. We erected a steel scaffold system to reach the roof. The scaffold has a stairway at one end so the workers can safely walk up to the work platform. They are working at preparing the roof to accept the new shingle materials.

The sanctuary is really shaping up. It has a very high ceiling that raises up from the entrance areas to the chancel area. The ceiling has lots of lighting that is controlled with dimmers to provide any lighting environment needed. There are drywall soffits along the rear walls that enclose mechanical systems. These soffits were framed in a way to provide varied surfaces to help sound control. Overall I am very impressed with the look and functionality of the sanctuary.

Carpet and flooring is being installed as well. The new toilet rooms are tiled and the plumbers are busy setting fixtures. These new areas will be greatly appreciated by the congregation.

The former sanctuary is being converted into a gathering space that will work well in handling larger groups for the church. This room had structural roof truss frames that were carefully retained. 

  Yesterday our task centered on setting the steeple with the iron cross on top. That required the use of a large mobile crane. We prepared the steeple on the ground and lifted it into position. Once set, we welded the connections. It is a sturdy assembly that should withstand the wind and weather forces for many years.

Inside the building the drywall is being applied to the framing. Sound insulation was installed prior to the drywall which will help prevent unwanted sound transmission between rooms. Drywall workers started their work in the sanctuary and are dealing with the high ceilings there. Hydraulic lifts are great labor savers when doing this type of work.

The last item left on the exterior is finishing the bell tower and mounting the cross. We fabricated the roof over the bell tower and will finish it on the ground, then lift it in place using a crane.

The last major structural task was completed last week as well. This involved inserting a very large steel box beam to support the existing roof structure. The new beam allowed us to remove a large section of wall in the former sanctuary, tying the new and existing areas together nicely. It was quite a trick getting the beam and columns in place this far inside the building. To support things we excavated below the existing floor levels and placed new concrete footings under the new steel columns.

Exterior framing work is just about finished as well. There are four very nice ‘bump-outs’ in the exterior walls. These contain tall narrow windows which admit light into the sanctuary. The triangular roofs look great. The light is very nice in the morning as it filters in from the east. Exterior brickwork is just getting underway.

We’ve started framing some of the roof system at Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center. The area over the new offices and bathrooms has a wood framed roof, using a combination of trusses and hand-framed dimensional lumber. Many times when I am on one of our work sites the sun catches the work just right and really highlights the geometric shapes involved in roof system carpentry work. That was the case yesterday at Faith Lutheran….

The sanctuary area his very tall walls and ceilings. Some of the walls are framed using laminated veneer lumber, and some of the walls are framed using light gauge steel studs. The workers are just about finished installing the steel framing. Our next step will be to erect the structural columns and beams over the sanctuary to support the wood framing on the roof.

The carpenters have just started framing for the exterior walls. The church wil l mainly utilize 2×6 wall construction with high insulation levels. The walls higher than 10’ incorporate laminated lumber for the wall studs. We also will have structural steel in some of the walls as we move onto other areas of framing.

While on site the other day I spied a very nice old church in the town. At one time the Dodge Center school was attached to the church so I suspect it was given to the community at some point when the congregation outgrew the building. It is a very nice old brick structure. What struck me is the detail of the brick work. The main building incorporates a nice red brick. Cream colored trim bricks are incorporated in many areas. I especially like the way the cream bricks are held proud of the red base brick, the corbels on the corners, etc. This former school site is currently for sale. I hope a future user of the property retains this lovely old building.

A project like this involves lots of careful measurements to make sure the foundation is the proper size and configuration. We have many steel columns in this project. Each of them is bolted to the foundation with large L-shaped anchor bolts. There is no room for error when placing these large anchor bolts in the foundation. We also have to make sure the vertical foundation reinforcement steel is placed properly.  Jim, our Site Superintendent is doing a great job staying ahead of the foundation workers and getting the templates for the columns and the vertical reinforcing steel properly placed.

By the end of this week we should have the majority of the foundation work completed. Once that is done the site can be rough graded and we will start on the iron and carpentry work.

This project involves the construction of a new sanctuary, toilet rooms, offices, etc. We also will be remodeling some of the existing spaces in the church. It is exciting to be working with this wonderful congregation on their expansion project. Like most churches, this project has been in the planning stage for some time….now it moves into the construction phase.

Our first task has been to do selective demolition on the existing church building. We’ve removed portions of walls and roofs, relocated utilities, etc. We are now starting site preparation and excavation for the foundation of the additions. It has been great to have such nice fall weather as we start this project.