Category: Churches

St. Ignatius Loyola Church located in Houghton Michigan is a beautiful architectural structure that was built in 1902. This Historical structure began to have some leaking issues in the winter of 2003, 2004. It came out for bid in the fall of 2004 and was found to have some water infiltration problems directly related to incorrectly installed flashing on an asphalt shingle roof, which at the time was only approx. 13 years old. Mihm was awarded the contract spring 05 and proceeded to work with Hitch Inc. Architects in the solving of water penetrating problems and the replacing of old failing flashings. Mihm installed a 50 year Architectural shingle on the main body of the building, and installed new copper flashings throughout. We also installed Paradigm copper shingles on the steeple of which was approx. 160’ above ground level. We used our crane, manlift and pettibone for this project. There was a flat roof section of the roof E.P.D.M. and replacing several historic ornate copper items which our copper smith worked in our environmentally controlled shop using old world craftsmanship to replicate new Cross’, spires, finials and cupola. This was a wonderful project full of historic values that Mihm went the extra mile to make sure this job was done correctly.

Pillar Christian Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan is the oldest Church in the Holland area. It was constructed from 1853 to 1856, when Rev. A.C. Van Raalte was leading a new congregation after his journey here from the Netherlands. In the summer of 2006 Mihm was contacted by the staff at the Pillar Church, and told that the Church was needing a new roof installed and some removal of Asbestos transit tile. There was a layer of asphalt shingles on top of Cedar shingles on top of the transit tiles. After the removal of the existing roofing materials it became evident that the previous installer did not flash around the steeple correctly and some water penetration was apparent. Mihm proposed doing a Steeple renovation including replacement of old rotted wood louvers, which were replaced with cedar wood, and a replication of the existing Copper Rooster on top of the Steeple’s finial. We went above what was called for on this project to ensure many years of peace of mind that the owners deserve.