The piazza roof and main roof of the Marconi Wireless Operations Building are in very poor condition.  The original imperial red clay tiles manufactures by the Ludowici-Celadon Co. of Chicago were removed and replaced with a composite roof.  The shingles are very badly worn and many shingles are missing (Photo Nos. 162 - 164).  The poor condition was made worse on the east side by a fire that burned away two to three feet of the lower roof (Photo No. 164).   The roof wood is supported by steel angle iron trusses manufactured by the Lackawanna Steel Company.  The heat of the fire pealed off protective paint exposing the steel to corrosion.

Photos: 162, 163, and 164.

Proposed Work

During Phase I, or as soon as permitted by the Fort Monmouth BRAC office, temporarily repair holes in roof from the fire, prime and repaint the exposed steel.  During Phase III replace and repair sections of roof lumber with compatible new 1-1/2 inch thick tongue and groove lumber.  Cover roof with new felt and replace composite roof with Imperial tiles salvaged from the New Brunswick Marconi Station prior to its July 2000 demolition.  American Marconi purchased the tiles from the same manufacturer at the same time for both stations.

Photo 162
Photo 163
Photo 164
Updated January 27, 2004    Page created July 4, 2002