Flights into and out of the airport on Milwaukee’s northwest side are guided by air traffic controllers who work in a 5-story control tower that was built in 1959. That building remains highly functional, but its roof system was failing – exposing the structure to water-related problems. F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing was retained to replace the roof and help give the tower many more years of service.

The control tower project had a unique set of challenges, due to the airport setting. FJAC crews had to pass background checks and deal with on-site security measures, but county officials facilitated the process, noted Sean Kocherer, FJAC Project Manager for the work.

“Despite the restricted setting, accessibility was great, thanks to the fantastic job the county did to get us onsite,” Kocherer said.

Another challenge – one unique to the setting, was control of debris, Kocherer said. FJAC crews had to ensure that debris from the removal of the existing roof and any bits of insulation was completely contained to eliminate the risk of wind-blown debris affecting aircraft engines. That process included the assignment of an FJAC crewman to monitor the runway.

“There could be absolutely no debris on the runway,” Kocherer said. “Even the smallest piece of insulation could pose a problem, so we had to make sure the runway was clear of any debris.”

Another challenge was the myriad of antennas atop the tower, noted Steve Stuckey, FJAC Estimator for the project. As work progressed on the new roof, antennas had to be removed and quickly relocated to continue to support communications.

FJAC crews also had to work around access issues that restricted scaffolding and crane use.

Sheet metal work was done from a man-lift.

“Our crews had to work in a very confined area,” Kocherer said. “Fall protection was extremely challenging.”

The 4,000-square-foot roof had a modified system that had been applied over a previous built-up roof. Both were removed down to the deck and replaced with a modified bitumen roofing system with tapered insulation to support good drainage.

The work also involved decorative side panels which were raised six inches and other metalwork. FJAC’s Sheet Metal Department crafted aluminum siding panels with an insulation backing that created an attractive, smooth surface.

Airport personnel took the opportunity to replace cabling and wiring on the roof during the two-month project.

“The new roofing system will provide many years of protection from the elements, allowing continued flight traffic at this light aircraft alternative,” Stuckey said.

The airport contract also included reroofing of a Quonset hut used as an airplane hangar.

“It’s not the usual type of roofing project,” Kocherer said. The hangar had asphalt shingles on its steep areas and rolled roofing at the top. All was removed and replaced with a self-adhering single-ply membrane.

Mark Hamm served as Roofing Superintendent for the project while Jeff Keller was the Sheet Metal Superintendent.  Field Roofing Crew Manager Oscar Torres led the onsite roof replacement while Sheet Metal Foreman Paul Keller handled the metal panel and related sheet metal installations.

Airplane manufacturer Curtiss-Wright created Timmerman Field in 1929 as part of a program to develop airports throughout the country. Timmerman’s airport code of MWC is a reference to Curtiss-Wright. Milwaukee County became the owner of the 131-acre property in 1947. It now encompasses 420 acres. The airport was renamed Lawrence J. Timmerman Field in 1959, honoring Timmerman who had been a long-time chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. It hosted some of the earliest fly-ins of the Experimental Aircraft Association from 1953-58.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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F.J.A. Christiansen employees contributed to a brighter holiday season for children at the Ronald McDonald House on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Complex grounds.

In an effort coordinated by our administrative aide, Sonia Robinson, employees donated new toys which were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House just before Christmas.

“We have an ongoing relationship with Ronald McDonald House, and have traditionally done an annual volunteer event,” Sonia noted. “It’s such a special place that I suggested we do more, and that developed into the toy drive.”

The Ronald McDonald House provides a long-term living for families of children at Children’s Wisconsin (formerly known as Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin).

FJAC’s relationship with the local Ronald McDonald House is part of the Roofing Alliance’s partnership with the national Ronald McDonald House Charities organization. Alliance members, such as FJAC and other Tecta America companies, donate roof system inspection and maintenance including 24-hour emergency leak response at the facilities.

“I was pleased to see so many toys donated,” said Sonia. “Those children and their families are going through a lot; it’s wonderful that many of our families could help their families and show our support.”

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The roofing contractor, with a strong presence in central and northern Wisconsin, was acquired by Tecta America this past fall and will work closely with FJAC to provide Tecta’s broad range of commercial roofing services in the state.

“We’re looking forward to strengthening our business through the knowledge and resources of Tecta America,” said Shawn Herzog, who continues as president of Commercial Roofing. “That includes the ability to serve customers who desire business partners that have a nationwide reach, which Tecta America has.”

It also includes the ability to provide better benefits to employees and to enhance safety and human resources processes, noted Theresa Dobbe, Commercial Roofing’s vice president.

“The people at F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing and at Tecta America have been great to work with during the transition, and we’re looking forward to continued close cooperation that will benefit our customers and our employees,” Theresa added.

Founded in 1976, Commercial Roofing handles both re-roofing and new roofing projects.  The company will operate as Commercial Roofing, a Tecta America Company.

“We’re extremely pleased to have them on board, not only for their great capabilities but, truly, for the wonderful team Shawn and Theresa have assembled,” added FJAC President Rob McNamara.

Tecta America, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., and grew during 2019 with the addition of further operations in New Jersey and Portland, Oregon.

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