Tuesday, June 26, 2012

More About the Roof

In Step 13 (Dig Into the Foundation, Structural Work, and Roof) I explained how the sequencing on my projects varies.  Sometimes I’ve completed the roof (including new shingles) in the initial weeks of the project and other properties have been dry at the start, but needed a new roof before it was time to sell.  And more than once, I’ve had leaks when I took over, but the roof didn't get completely re-done until somewhere in the middle of the project.  

A good roof is important and warrants more discussion. 

The Hurricane House
The Hurricane House was unique (with regard to the roofing scope) because I waited several months before I finished the roof.  Ideally, I would have laid the shingles after the framers were done, but I was too busy and the work had to wait.  I paid the crew to cover the roof with tar paper, but that was it. 

I’ve written before that I enjoy every phase of renovating a run-down home.  However, removing old shingles (that may come in the form of multiple layers) is definitely an exception.   Laying shingles is fun.  Tearing off old shingles…not so much.  On The Hurricane House, I subbed out (subcontracted/hired a subcontractor) the demolition and re-framing which included scraping off the old shingles, collecting them from the ground below, and throwing them in the dumpster. 

And finally, here’s another thing I no longer love about renovating old homes; carrying bundles of shingles from the ground level, up the ladder, and to the ridge.  I’ve had my fill of this drill as well so on The Hurricane House I paid for a roof top delivery. 

The north end of The Hurricane House, Topless
The north end of The Hurricane House at completion

I have roofed dozens of houses.  I’ve done it alone, on a crew, or as part of a volunteer group (like a Habitat for Humanity project or a mission effort).  The Hurricane House was a small ranch with two hipped ends.  The only ridge was at the top, there were no valleys, and it was covered by a large live oak tree so the majority of the roof was blanketed in shade.  This was an easy job I knew I'd enjoy knocking out myself...as soon as I had time.  So when I had a few days, I laid the shingles and enjoyed it as much as expected. 

The Hurricane House - Back view after the new roof.
The Hurricane House - Back view at completion.
This is not one of my renovation projects, but the Midwestern home we grew up in and one of the only photos we have of me in action on the roof (early 90's).
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10 comments:

  1. KatyJune 28, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    sheesh you need to give classes. Like on your next project, I'll pay you to let me tag along and work with you lol!

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    1. Blood Sweat and Pig's EarsJuly 7, 2012 at 2:20 PM

      I like it. This reminds me of the Tom Sawyer story when Tom let the kids in the neighborhood pay him to paint the picket fence for him.

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  2. Brendan GertnerJuly 13, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    Laying new shingles is indeed more enjoyable than removing old ones. It's like playing with construction toys or building blocks. You get to see the whole picture unfold right before your eyes as you work on it. Most of all, when it’s finished, it's relaxing to see the ripple effect, which does look a lot like playing cards on the table. Anyway, good job on the hurricane house rehabilitation! It’s like it didn’t get damaged by any storm.


    Brendan Gertner

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    1. Blood Sweat and Pig's EarsJuly 13, 2012 at 9:07 AM

      I'm w/ you Brandon & thanks. And, I think another thing that makes rehabbed homes spec. is the history that's part of the package & the Hurr. Hse. has that for sure w/ it's connection to H.Hugo. -Trent

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  3. Nuri RossignolAugust 3, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Judging from those pictures, you really love what you do, and you're very professional about it. I'm with Brendan on this as well. As a roofer, you want to see your products turning into a work of art. Just like what Brendan meant about the "ripple effect."

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    1. Blood Sweat and Pig's EarsAugust 5, 2012 at 1:11 PM

      Glad you took time to comment Nuri. I think you'll agree that the roof is important for more than keeping the weather out. I always appreciate tradesmen who take pride in their craft and approach it with an attitude that goes beyond the bottom-line total at the end. Houses can be works of art and I love what you wrote about the roof.

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  4. AnonymousAugust 16, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    If I may add, in removing old roofing shingles, I've read somewhere that it is ideal to use a roofer’s shovel. It is square ended and has teeth that can slide under the shingles and remove the roofing nails. In that way, it’ll be easier to remove the shingles per row. And then, when all the shingles are removed, you can pull out the remaining nails.

    Nelson Kamaka

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  5. Blood Sweat and Pig's EarsAugust 16, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    I agree on that Nelson. Sometimes I can really make the shingle shovel work well for me and sometimes I have to find a better way/tools. It can depend on roof age and # of layers of shingles. It's a good tool and if one can get in a groove w/ it...it's a real time saver.

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  6. Ashlee StarnsAugust 28, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    For removing shingles from the roof, you can actually do-it-yourself .Hehe. It’s a pretty daunting task, but with the right tools and proper knowledge, you can successfully remove it. Also, you must be aware of the precautionary measures regarding this task. And part of that is wearing shoes with proper traction.

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  7. Mary MartinOctober 22, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    You're right on that one, Nelson. Using a roofer's shovel is also helpful in removing gravel, old tar, and mineral roofs. Another thing, there is another type of shovel that is helpful for built-up roof removal, and that shovel is called square-nosed shovel.

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