Decided to go with a (very) local roofer and I hope it was the right choice, but he has been very poor in just being able to communicate a start day. Is a simple phone call that hard? But, I like him, I know where he lives (walking distance) and I really prefer doing business with neighboring companies - whenever possible. In this case, the price was in the ball park, so it should not be much to argue over.
In any case, today was a good day to start since the sun is shining and it is reasonably warm. Just hope that this will hold up...
After tearing off the old (but still amazingly good) torch down, and realizing that there are quite a few sheets of plywood to be replaced, see what one can find:
Why is it that Americans can not properly install insulation batts? OK, the house was built in the 60ies, but it is not THAT hard to cut them to fit properly. I saw evidence of same shoddy practicies all over when lifting old plywood sheets. In this case, really nog big deal since I will tear down the drywall, put in a dedictaed air/ventilation channel, and insulate the roof from underneath, the way it should have been done day 1!
Seems like wasps has been eating away on the insulation over the years...
Even some nice nests...
Does this really require a comment?
A few sheets that are to be replaced (or rather holes that are being overlaid with new sheets).
Sun beaten (but still VERY GOOD) Polyglass on the south facing side in the background.
Polyglass is the underlayment that we put on the roof in November of 2007. It has been holding up increadibly well, and yes, the sun has eventually burned off the green top layer, but the material (modified bitumen reinforced with fiberglass) is still rock solid (the green stuff is to improve adhesion between the layers). Polyglass is pricey (at ~$130/roll about 5 times more than #30 felt) but worth every cent (or rather dollar). Allowed us to do the roof at OUR timing, and not when the (normally installed) felt would require it. The Polyglass also survived a few December storms w/o moving an inch!
But, just to be 200% sure, Felix is putting a new layer of underlayment on the south facing side of the steep roof section, where you can see the sun has essentially burned off the entire green top layer on the Polyglass. Likely not needed, but better to be safe than sorry. A new layer also provides for an excellent integration with the coming torch down in the valley.
Upon further inspection and dissecting of the Polyglass, which is guaranteed for 90 days weather exposure in a Miami climate, I think it really could hold up as a roofing material for years in the Seattle area. Incredible stuff! Easy to put down, just ensure you have a clean roof deck, "peel-and-stick", and anchor with a few staples. Voila - waterproof membrane installed, a membrane that can handle water, wind, snow, and even a fair amount of physical abuse like walking, branches falling down, etc.
Another example of poorly installed batts. Is it that hard to make ONE cut for an electric wire?
New sheets placed and nailed down.
West side already covered with underlayment
And if I now have one common complaint about thss (otherwise pretty good) crew, that would be tha tis is imperative to ensure that nails/staples are well driven in and roof surface is flat/clean before putting on underlayment. I did spend some time going over the area, pounding down nails and putting on new patches. The underlayment is "peel-and-stick" so it is easy to do and holds up really well, but a "clean" and well prepared area is so much more important when putting on a metal roof, compared to the (much more) common ashpalt shingles.
If I would not have been up here, carrying the "hawk eyes", who really knows what it would look like underneath?
1 comment:
Seattle Metal Roofing fashion is definitely the most trending desires of experts today. The kind of material exhibits a lot of promising qualities that can make a quality roof. The metal itself is stronger compared to other materials like wood or asphalt. It can withstand the coldest and the warmest of temperatures. The flexibility of the element makes it possible to imitate other types of roofing. It can be easily formed to match all sorts of roof foundations. It can cover and fit even the sharpest corners and the dullest angles formed by your roof rafters. Another interesting feature of metal is that it can redirect heat allowing for cooler air to circulate in your ceiling.
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