GILFORD — Town officials are hoping to fix the fire department building’s troublesome roof before winter.

The 16-year-old building, which houses four fire trucks and the fire department staff, is one of several town buildings with roofs that need repair, according to Town Administrator Scott Dunn.

“We’ve had problems in past winters with ice dams and such, and some of the roofs need work,” Dunn said.

Town officials had planned, with voter approval, to repair the town buildings’ roofs in 2013, Dunn said. But the fire department roof has deteriorated significantly, he said, to the point where there are potential safety problems.

Dunn said the fire department roof project would likely go out for bids, and it may cost as much as $50,000. Money to pay for it may be available in town surplus funds from fiscal year 2012, he said.

Fire Chief Stephen Carrier said the fire department’s roof has had leaks in the past, but town public works officials have been able to patch them.

Three weeks ago, he said, a heavy rainstorm opened up some larger leaks above the kitchen area, which have damaged the floor tiles. The leak is now steady during precipitation, he said.

“The roof has been improved over the years, but every winter we have problems,” he said.

Carrier said the public works department can’t fix the newest leaks. If they are not repaired soon, he said, the roof could be further damaged in coming rain and snow storms.

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