In the summer we started our project: renovating our bicycle self-help workshop. After space had been created outside the workshop for storing the old roof tiles and the roof had been cleared of leaves, the old roof covering could be removed. Storing the old tiles matters especially because the main building of the socio-cultural centre is roofed with the same tiles, which are no longer manufactured. Enough replacements are now available should they be needed.
But it was not only tiles that had to come off. The old gutter and the bitumen-covered section were removed as well. The partly rotten substructure was taken out carefully so as not to damage the parts that were still sound. Guided by a roofer, we were able to prepare the entire roof for re-covering ourselves within two days. The following week the firm Stock Dach GmbH partly re-boarded the roof and welded on two layers of bitumen sheeting.
In November the interior work followed. Once the material and transport for rebuilding the floor had been organised and the workshop cleared out, we used the empty workshop for a fresh coat of paint. The concrete floor was then levelled and a substructure installed. New 15 mm OSB boards were laid and sealed with a special varnish.
After half a year of building work it is finally fit again. We did a great deal ourselves, but had the important work carried out by specialist firms. The former tiled roof was removed and disposed of. The substructure was in places very decayed and rotten and had to be repaired as well. Given the shallow pitch of the roof, only a bitumen covering came into question, which now protects the whole workshop from water above. New gutters ensure good drainage, and we collect the water in containers to water our lovely garden.
A large new triple-glazed plastic window replaces the old draughty wooden windows. It keeps the warmth in, lets in far more light, and at last it is possible to air the room properly. In times of a pandemic that is a very welcome gain. We were also able to renew the floor. The old, cold and dusty concrete floor was covered with OSB boards by our own efforts. It creates a much more pleasant indoor climate, considerably reduces cold feet and is far more comfortable to walk on. The intended aim of the renovation has thus been achieved, and the bicycle self-help workshop can hopefully be used for another 30 years.
On behalf of all members of the association and the whole ZORA team we thank the state of Saxony-Anhalt for the funds provided, and all supporters and helpers who made this project possible.