A drone will be used to fly around the Jefferson County Courthouse to see the extent of repairs needed on the aging roof.

Jefferson County will hire a roof-consulting company to conduct a survey of the rooftop.

While the roof on the historic courthouse is only 29 years old, the sheet metal on the main ventilation cupola is failing, and clogged gutters have pushed stormwater into the building. Some slate tiles on the roof are also missing.

County officials note the sheet metal on the cupola is failing due to corrosion. 

County commissioners approved a $10,000 consulting contract with Cornwell Consulting Group of Boring, Oregon to conduct a review of the roof.

A drone flyover of the courthouse — including a pass over the 120-foot-tall clock tower, if possible — will help create a 3D model that will be examined to determine the scope of needed repairs.

Dan Cornwell of Cornwell Consulting Group said the drone work will be done by the firm Pointivo.

“I will be using their data and report to complete my own analysis of the slate roof and flashing conditions,” Cornwell said.

Cornwell will help the county develop repair plans, as well as a long-term maintenance plan for the slate roof to make sure it reaches its 50-year life expectancy. 

At Monday’s meeting of the board of county commissioners, Commissioner Greg Brotherton said he was anxious to get a look at the drone work done from above the county courthouse.

“It sounds really cool,” Brotherton said.