Some repairs needed to Winneshiek County Courthouse

Most of the courthouse building issues center around moisture dripping from the attic

The Winneshiek County Courthouse is not in any danger of needing major repairs, but some maintenance projects are necessary.  That's the conclusion from a study of the historic building by architect Doug Steinmetz.

He told the Winneshiek County Board on Monday that some of the insulation in the attic of the courthouse has gotten wet because of rain and condensation and recommended that it be removed.  "Once insulation is wet...it leads to mold growth," he told supervisors.  Steinmetz says a vapor retarder is missing from the courthouse, so moisture has begun doing some damage.

Steinmetz also recommended putting in attic walkways so repairs and inspections could be done more easily.  He described the attic as currently having "random pathways of loosely laid planks."

But Steinmetz urged more study instead of immediate action on questions involving the suspended ceiling in the third floor courtroom.  He told supervisors he would recommend against removing the ceiling at the present time.

A closeup of peeling plaster and paint

A wider view