Knoch DME

Local auto body shops around Saxonburg have had to extend their hours and work overtime following an incident early this week at Knoch High School that left parked vehicles dusted with dry lime powder amid building renovations.

According to an email sent to Knoch Education Association members by Ian Babb, president of the teachers union, the association “has asked the district for plans and procedures to seek reimbursement for costs associated with lime remediation and cleaning beyond the simple reimbursement of a car wash.”

Babb advised association members to keep receipts for services and quotes related to lime remediation and submit receipts to the school district for reimbursement by the construction company.

Meanwhile, Zach Davis, owner of To The Limit Motorsportz, and Matthew Lefever, owner of Full Throttle Detailing, are working in conjunction to address the influx of customers, many of whom, Lefever said, have been requesting paint corrective services.

While Lefever said costs associated with removing the lime and rectifying blemishes would vary from vehicle to vehicle, he estimated the price for such services to range from $300 to $600.

In dry powder form, “lime does nothing — it’s just abrasive,” Davis said.

Once it is introduced to water or moisture, Lefever said the substance alkalizes and could leave marks on a vehicle’s surface. A vinegar wash could help lift the particles, but if residue remains, professional detailing services may be needed, Davis said.

Davis said his shop was already booked before the incident at Knoch, and is now “overbooked.” He said he became aware of the lime issue as of Tuesday and has had to reschedule hours and open on Saturdays to accommodate additional appointments.

Davis said he has not canceled any prior appointments as he handles the current influx of requests for lime remediation, and said a lot of the calls are being taken by Full Throttle Detailing in Clinton Township. Davis also said another detailer from out of town is helping with the calls.

Lime remediation is time-sensitive, he said.

“It’s hard to keep a car dry — it could become an issue,” Davis said.

While Davis said he has not spoken to district administrators, he said he spoke with some teachers and security guards following the incident.

“I think the school district is handling it really well,” he said.

Conversely, he said “a lot of talk of a lot of different solutions that went out got people concerned and confused.”

Lefever said his business is “absolutely slammed,” and will see several vehicles for lime remediation a day over the next few weeks.

“Between myself and others, we’re just swamped,” Lefever said. “Everyone is doing the best they can.”

“On top of our normal schedules we had to start kicking it in overdrive,” he said, “working overtime, staying late ... to get it done in a timely fashion.”

Babb wrote that the association will be in contact with the district to “discuss applicable (liability) for potential damages” and “discuss avoiding future issues.”

Renovations at Knoch High School are expected to be complete by summer of 2025.

In January, Eckles Construction, the group overseeing renovations for the district, recommended dry limestone be used to draw excessive moisture from the soil, which would have complicated construction from where the footer and foundation of the school addition would rest.

Neither Babb nor superintendent David Foley responded to requests for comment regarding lime remediation Thursday afternoon.