9th CES saves AF nearly $1 million during roof repair project Published Aug. 7, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- The 9th Civil Engineer Squadron roof maintenance team saved approximately $1 million in roof repairs at the Base Exchange in July by having Beale Airmen complete a portion of the repairs. The BX and other base facilities are receiving repairs due to water leaks and unsatisfactory ratings given by an Air Combat Command inspection team in 2012. The 9th CES created a three-prong approach to apply the most cost-effective way to complete the project. This approach includes the ability to maintain standard customer work orders, assign the roof maintenance team to repairs, and bring in civilian contractors to help complete parts of the project. "Our team has been trained, and we have hired two additional carpenters to complete this project mostly in-house, saving the Air Force money," said Fredrick French, 9th CES structures foreman. "We are extending the lifespan of these roofs by 10 years and longer with our repairs." The roof restorations include two types of systems, the replacement of steel paneling and an application of a silicon-based rubberized roof. The old steel panels will be removed along with the underlying material and will be replaced with all new products. The silicon-based rubberized roof system is a spray on application, which will be applied to low-slope roofs after cleaning and applying an undercoat of primer. "Both roofing systems will provide the facilities to be more energy efficiency, meet standards, strengthen the roof, and protect internal assets from leaks," French said. To date, the roof maintenance team has completed 12 roofs covering more than 90,000 square feet, which houses $1.8 billion in Air Force assets overall. The civilian contractors are currently working on the Recce Point Club, supply distribution center, and building 1086. The cost of the three roofs is approximately $5 million.