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| The Original Look |
When we bought this house, a little over two months ago, we understood that the roof was over 30 years old and would need to be replaced. We actually had moss growing in one part of it, but there seamed to be little damage elsewhere and there was no leakage or damage to the wood underneath as far as we could tell.
There was also a design flaw in the original plans (???), the front porch roof only extended roughly three quarters over the concrete porch. Since the front end of the porch roof was pitched that meant that any water or snow that missed the gutters was dumped into the final third of the porch. This is where a diagram would come in handy but sadly, I've not idea on how to draw or attach it to this blog. Sorry but my sad sack explanation is going to have to do.
Well I understand the basics of roofing, I'm in no way qualified to replace it.
So we hired a contractor and his largely Amish crew to help out, cleaning the gutters and placing a metal roof to the house. A bright crimson red roof I might add. They also extended the roof over the entirety of the front porch which changes the look of the house.
We went with a metal roof for a few reasons but largely for their durability; in that they can last up to 50 years, are recyclable at the end of their life span and energy efficient. They can reduce energy costs by up to 20 - 40% annually according to some research. This is actually due to two reasons. 1) They reflect sunlight, which makes sense The more heat that is reflected means lower cooling costs in summer. 2) When a metal roof is placed there is a thin layer of air which acts as a barrier between the roof and home, which in turn helps to cool or heat the home. Yea for Science!
Sadly, since we didn't have prior energy bills to compare, we simply have no way to calculate our savings. However that's not the point. I did the research, I trust the science.
Truth be told, another reason why is that Susan loves the sound of rain on a metal roof. Sometimes you have to mix the romantic brain in with the logical brain.
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| An idea of the new front porch and roof |
We also had to replace the original half assed walkway going to the front of the porch with a concrete walkway, basically the orginal walkway was fire brick that had been laid, and a loose brick step. That was it.
I have to admit that I am not a fan of how the Amish crew laid the new concrete path, but it does appear nicer that what I originally envisioned. The fire bricks were saved and will be used in in another project come spring, where we will most likely use them to build a small flower bed or perhaps will be used for a fire pit. One thing I've learned from trying to homestead is never throw anything out. Either re-purpose, recycle or reuse it.
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| You also get an idea of the original porch roof here |
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| The new walkway from the porch |
Basically we were able to get a lot done and at a price under the original estimate. The Amish crew did an amazing job and they worked their asses off to get the roof on and finished in two days. They were actually very fun loving guys as well, even offering to put up another garage for me for around $3,000 dollars. Well I do have the money, I'm not sure if another garage makes sense at this time.
There are other things that I need first, like a snow shovel and a good riding lawnmower for the coming spring. However the two major things that I wanted to have done before the winter were accomplished and I can look forward to the coming spring with joy and hope. We are slowly but surly "getting there." Those short evergreens in front of the porch are gone and will be replaced by smaller evergreen trees. We will add a railing to the porch in the next week or so, after all I'm an insurance guy and we simply can't have anyone fall off that damn porch.
Sue and I just have to determine where "there" is and we both understand that's its always subject to change. So far the country mouse is enjoying the change.
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| Finished porch and walkway | |
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| Finished product. |
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