When tropical storm Isaias brought havoc to Brooklyn in August 2020, it literally peeled off the upper layer of the roof, a tarp membrane added a long time ago to reinforce the roof’s original copper cladding.
Isaias left the old copper lining exposed to the elements and water damage quickly followed. A temporary ‘shield’ was immediately put in place to keep the building safe through the winter, but the time has come to provide a decent roof for our beloved church, one that will hold for the next century. This time, the landmark department is adamant: the roof needs to be restored in its original condition, which means we need to replace the copper roof.
The estimated cost for replacement of the copper roof is approximately $465.000 in total. The insurance agreed to cover $285.000, leaving us with a bill of $180.000. This expense is too large for our parish to shoulder it alone, especially as we are still recovering from a challenging year.
Help us restore the roof of St. Paul to its original copper beauty (and water repellence)!
Help us preserve this historical beacon of hope in the heart of Cobble Hill!