Spire of St. Stephen's Church: 300,000 euros for a new slate roof!

Spire of St. Stephen's Church: 300,000 euros for a new slate roof!

In Mindelheim, the focus is on a remarkable construction site that is also causing a lot of excitement: the roof of the parish church of St. Stephan, which is in need of renovation, is currently being worked on by experienced craftsmen. A freight elevator is used for work on the impressive tower top, which is an impressive 65 meters high. The craftsmen, consisting of roofers and carpenters, are taking care of repairing the slate roof, which has been badly affected by wind and weather and is leaking. The damage contributed to the fact that comprehensive measures are now necessary.

Structural engineer Wendelin Bruland keeps an eye on progress and checks the work weekly. In addition to the slate ceiling, parts of the wooden structure also need to be replaced. What makes matters worse is that rotting damage has occurred due to moisture and changes in the weather. The total cost of these ambitious repairs is estimated at an impressive 300,000 euros - an investment that should be profitable for both the community and the preservation of the historic building.

Difficult conditions for the craftsmen

The workers will have to endure a lot during the construction phase, which will last four weeks. Erecting scaffolding and regular work in the open air not only require technical skills, but also a good deal of caution. “We often have to contend with changeable weather – rain, wind, and even snow,” report the experts. From the scaffolding, however, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the old town and Mindelburg. Still, working at dizzying heights requires respect and great care.

The choice of slate material has proven itself over many decades, because slate roofs are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also very durable - they have a lifespan of up to 150 years, which is invaluable in today's world. Professional providers, such as Schieferdach.net, emphasize the flexible processing and excellent weather resistance of natural stone. After the Second World War, slate was pushed back by cheaper materials, but in view of its many advantages it has been experiencing an upswing again in recent years.

Roof repair costs and planning

Given the tricky repair work, the question often arises as to what costs the owners will incur. Roof repair prices can vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage and the material chosen. The costs are generally between 50 and 200 euros per square meter, depending on factors such as accessibility and roof shape. Since an intact roof of a property not only offers protection from the weather, but also maintains the value of the property, owners should act quickly at the first sign of damage.

Insurance, such as homeowners or household contents insurance, can be very helpful with repair costs. And as a crowning tip: Regular maintenance and inspection of the roofs can not only prevent expensive consequential damage, but also reduce the burden on your wallet. The industry recommends that spring and autumn months are ideal for roof renovations.

The work on the parish church of St. Stephan is an impressive example of how important and at the same time challenging the maintenance of historical buildings is. The construction site will certainly present many challenges for the craftsmen in the coming weeks, but the prospect of a completely reconstructed roof will be worth the effort.