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Westbrook Habitat for Humanity House Has a Roof Raising

Habitat for Humanity of Middlesex (HFH) had an earlier-than-usual roof raising in early August at the home it’s constructing in Westbrook with the help of volunteers.

This is the third time the organization has installed a roof at an earlier point in the process, according to HFH Executive Director Sarah J. Bird. The roof raising was overseen by HFH Construction Manager Curtis Weybright.

“[T]he mostly completed roof is set in place as soon as the walls are ready to receive it,” she explained by email.

The roof was constructed on the ground, which is “appreciably faster” and “shortens the entire build cycle.” The construction of the roof was managed by Construction Site Supervisor Jonathan Good.

“This method allows staff and volunteers to assemble the roof safely at ground level before it is placed atop of the existing home structure,” Bird continued. “Much less time is spent going up and down ladders and scaffolding, and the accuracy of the work is improved, because workers feel comfortable and safe and can take their time to do jobs properly.”

Construction of the roof on the ground also gives volunteers a much safer opportunity to learn how to “measure, mark, layout, and install all the components of a roof,” she said.

“The building receives immediate weather protection and the project moves into the finishing phases very quickly,” she added. “Once placed, the roof is permanently secured.”

The house is located at 382 Hammock Road North. The home owners will be selected at the September board meeting, according to Bird.