Fort Leonard Wood's Roof Repairs Restore Homes and Strengthen Community Bonds

Photo byFort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

In the aftermath of a severe storm earlier this year, Fort Leonard Wood is embarking on a massive project to repair and replace the roofs of on-post family housing units. The initiative, led by Fort Leonard Wood Homes in partnership with roofing contractors, underscores the power of preparation and communication, which has been critical to minimizing disruption for residents.

DJ Keeney, a spokesperson for Fort Leonard Wood Homes, emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed throughout the process. "Prior coordination, enhanced with positive resident interactions through social media, emails, and door notices, has greatly increased our effectiveness of operations," Keeney noted. “The communities and partners are fully embracing our efforts.” By fostering communication and engagement, Fort Leonard Wood has set a new standard for how large-scale residential projects can be managed.

Residents were notified of the roof repairs two weeks in advance via email and received follow-up notices 48 to 72 hours before their homes were scheduled for work. “This notice is delivered in person or posted on the occupants’ door,” Keeney said. Spot checks ensure the notification process is running smoothly, providing residents with the opportunity to prepare their homes and avoid surprises.

The project, expected to take about two days per house, will span approximately 90 days, though weather conditions could affect the timeline. Keeney highlighted that weekday hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will be prioritized, with possible weekend work to expedite the process before winter sets in. "We will communicate any weekend work plans in advance," he reassured.

A key area impacted by the storm, the Eagle Point neighborhood, has seen the brunt of the damage. Contractors will use open spaces behind homes along Rolla Street for material storage, with fencing in place to secure the area for the duration of the repairs. Representatives from both the roofing contractor and Fort Leonard Wood Homes will be on-site during work hours to ensure smooth operations.

Safety and consideration for residents are top priorities throughout the project. While noise and vibrations from construction are inevitable, contractors have limited their working hours and implemented additional measures to mitigate disruption. Keeney advised residents to remove outdoor items, such as patio furniture and grills, and to relocate vehicles from driveways and carports to avoid potential damage. Mirrors, picture frames, and other fragile items inside homes may be affected by the vibrations, and residents are encouraged to secure them in advance.

Though contractors will thoroughly clean up daily, some debris, including nails, may remain. “A magnetic roller will be utilized to pick up metal debris,” Keeney explained. Residents are urged to be cautious, especially around construction zones, and to keep children and pets away from active work areas for their safety.

Mike Estright, chief of the Directorate of Public Works’ Housing Division, reassured residents that assistance is available throughout the project. "We are here to assist with any concerns that arise during the recovery operations," Estright said. "Our team is ready to handle any questions, complaints, or disputes, ensuring the process remains as smooth as possible for residents."

This large-scale repair effort is a testament to the resilience and coordination of the Fort Leonard Wood community, reminding residents that even in the wake of natural disasters, strong partnerships and effective communication can help ensure that life returns to normal.