If you can endure this home improvement post today, I have some doll pictures from Joy, in California and Alina, from Poland, to share tomorrow… but then you WILL probably have to endure some final roof pictures, unless I decide to make it a post all of its own! :o)
I guess I was plain ole selfish today… I just did what I wanted, which was mostly walk around in my house watching shingles being thrown to the ground… It just seemed kind of mesmerizing to me… wondering what it looked like up there… and also wondering what it looked like “under” those shingles. We were really praying that the roof wasn’t in that bad of shape that the majority of the decking would have to be replaced. They started on the north end of the house…and once when there was a slight break, I ran outside and past the porch to see for myself what was going on… and then I was sunk… I wanted to stay outside and watch it all…who was working, how many were there, how did they keep themselves up on that steepest pitch on the roof, could we see any damage, when would the shingles start??? Inquiring “me” wanted to know!
Well, I thought I’d just show you some of my pictures and say a line or two about them…
They arrived about 7:00 this morning and got started removing the old shingles right away…there were 5 guys to start with and a little while later 4 more showed up… the temp was in the 70’s and incredibly the humidity was in the 30-35% range…which was pretty wonderful… it did get hotter in the afternoon, about 93 degrees, but the humidity still was low. They were very hot up there on that black asphalt roof, but I’m guessing it was slightly less miserable than it normally might be.
If you click on my pictures they will enlarge.
There were 9 trucks in our driveway and yard, and a little while after they started a huge lift truck came to bring the shingles, by using a conveyor belt…
They worked from 7:00 till about 1:00 before they took a break… and it was so cute… they brought their own griddle and were making taco’s in the gazebo, along with eating my snacks… I snapped this picture “secretly” so they wouldn’t know it…
They worked really fast and scooted around on the roof with pieces of foam cushions… they said it gripped the wood underneath and they felt safe on them…
They got the felt underlayment put on fairly quickly and pretty soon we started seeing the first shingles go up.. I was nervous, because you pick your color of shingles from a little 6″ square and hope when you see it all across your roof, you picked right… we think we did!
The second crew arrived after a while and began working on the 2 areas of our roof that were going to have to have the membrane put down: the flat section as you come into our house through the front door and into our dining room, and the part over my sewing room. The material used is called TPO and comes in a roll like this…
When the crew took off the old rubber roof we had on there, it revealed a very bleak picture of why it had been leaking. It looked like it was charred from a fire… thin wood, almost like brittle paneling, and very splintery… they brought down a piece of it to see and told us the entire area above our dining room would have to be decked with new plywood… We were told this might be the case. Okay… can you hear the “ca ching, ca ching $$?” Then the insulation went on, and then the TPO layer…
While they were working on the other side of the house, picking up things, I did scramble up the ladder there by the front door to snap a picture of our new flat roof… one that won’t leak and one that will not pull away from the edges when it rains and gets stretched… It looks fabulous (as far as flat roofs go!) :o)
It took them quite a while to figure out how to do the roof above my sewing room…and then DO it… it had some funny angles up by the corner we were working on on Sunday… and that crew REALLY deserved a medal today for figuring it out and making it look nicer than I had hoped… I really didn’t want it there, but because the pitch on that part of the roof is so shallow, (almost flat) they said they HAD to put the TPO down, and not shingles… but they did tell us they would start the shingles after they reached the first column on our porch…and go over the porch with shingles. I guess I could live with it… and when it got done, I was pretty happy. It came in only 3 colors… white, gray and black. I picked gray, hoping it would blend in with the shingles color… and now that it’s done, I’m okay with it… My dolls and fabric will never be rained on again, no leaks to worry about and it might even be cooler in the summer because it’s a lighter color.
Here are a few pictures of it in progress… my hubby even got in on putting the gutter back up… they had us take it down, but decided to do it a different way, so they had to put it back up…
After they finished the TPO section over my sewing room, they continued around the sunburst porch with the shingles… UNTIL they hit this…
…another section on the edge of the porch where water had puddled and leaked into our bathroom and caused the wood to begin rotting… so they said it was an easy fix to replace that section with new wood next to the siding of the house…
The rest of the afternoon and evening they spent working on more felt paper (I don’t know the technical name!) and more shingling…
This is what it looked like when they left at 8:30 this evening… YES…that’s 8:30! I don’t know how they did it… but they did!
They had already started picking up lots of the big materials and we decided to help them… I got a bucket and my hubby and I went around the house filling it up with bits an pieces of stuff…
I brought the trays of snacks I had set out in the gazebo to the front where they were all gathering up their stuff… and they started digging into the snacks again and drinking the Gatorade… I had asked a few of them if they had children and would they like to take some things home for them? Several of them shook their heads… (they were Mexican and I wasn’t brushed up on my Spanish) :o( Anyway one of the guys just asked outright, “If I bring this tray back tomorrow, can we take all this home?” How could I say no! So I might need to make some more rice krispy treats in the morning…
But…first comes bed tonight!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow! What a day you all had, Jeanne! But it’s good they were careful, and wanting to fix the underlying problems so there would be no New problems once the new roof is in place. CaChing for sure, but in the long run, it will be so worth it!! And the new shingles look really nice, and will be lovely no matter what color you might decide to paint the exterior in the future!!
Yesterday Sally asked if I had opened Maya yet, and I have! I opened her up tonight while I was downstairs doing a load of wash. She is really beautiful!! Her hair seems a little stiff, but I imagine that’s to help keep its crimped look, and doesn’t really bother me. I brought her up to my sewing room, and she picked out a fabric with a light green background, and butterflies and flowers in assorted colors–part of the Tutti-frutti plisse’ fabric line from a few years ago, and left from something I made for my granddaughter when she was still little. (Bella’s dress is yellow with multi-color “sprinkles” all over it, and Hanna’s is lavender with daisies, both also in the Tutti-frutti line.)
And, yes, it was nice that Ron could come to church yesterday. We took our pastor and his wife out for lunch afterwards, postponed from a couple of weeks ago. By the time Ron and I left the restaurant, however, he was really pooped, but seems to have done okay today.
Hi Charlotte,
Yes, we’ve had a couple of exciting days this week and its only Tuesday! But I’m ready to get back to normal…
We do love our new roof!!
I’m glad you like your new Maya and it’s especially fun when they pick out what they want you to make them… have fun!!
I’m glad your hubby was able to join you at church… things are getting back the way they should be…
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne, this is really a major undertaking getting your roof done! My house is newer and less complicated, but we have had the roof replaced several times. It was nothing like what you have been going through! We have seen various houses in the neighborhood get new roofs, and of course, none of the roofs are as complicated as yours is! They deliver the shingles on the roof a day or two before the actual roofing begins, Then the crew comes and puts the roofing on in many cases, one day. The second day is finishing up and cleaning up, then it’s done! They might have 10 or so men working at the same time, so it gets done faster. I don’t know of anybody that gave them anything to eat or drink, including myself! However, my hubby did get up there and help them. You are really special!
Your house looks so nice now, and just think how nice it will be with all the trucks, workers, machinery and tools out of the way! I thought of you all day and how hot is was, but yes, the humidity was down,….. but it still gets hot on the roof! The men in the gaxzebo looked so nice and cool! I’m sure they appreciated a place where they could cool off and relax a bit. I guess you will be again in your pretty new kitchen fixing snacks this morning!
My new Kirsten is blending right in here! She has been flower picking, celebrated a birthday and is now in her fishing outfit going ….fishing! She is a busy girl!
I just scrolled through the pictures, and thought I would tell you that if you planted pretty red flowers all around your house and put a flag up, you will be ready for the 4th of July! Also, some bunting around the gazebo!
Hi Linda,
The last guy here today was talking to us and he said this roof was pretty complicated and had so many different areas…flat, really high pitches, almost flat pitches, a little curved area at the top, a fat chimney to fit flashing around, a little squared piece between 2 pitches that we asked them to fix a different way, rotting wood in various places, a wrapped sloping porch, 3 eyebrows and probably a few things I forgot. I’m sure they were glad when this job was finished.
We have to fix the siding in 2 areas so I’m going to wait until we get that done before I show it…there is also a big long truck coming tomorrow to pick up some left over supplies…
It’s funny…I was looking at my pictures and liked seeing the touches of red around my house too… :o)
I’m glad Kirsten is getting along so well at your house…and even going fishing!
Thanks Linda
Blessings, Jeanne
Nothing I love more than dolls and house renovations. 💗 Jeanne your blog hits my sweet spot every day…thank you.
Thank you Nanette,
Your sweet comments just made my day! Glad you enjoy it here…
Blessings, Jeanne
I love your home improvement posts Jeanne. Getting my own new roof in 2018 was very memorable. The crew was endearing, largely Mexican. I loved hearing so much Spanish! Tho I didn’t comprehend!😄
Hi Joy
Getting a new roof canbe stressful AND expensive, but we know we made the right choice…
And we really enjoyed the work crew…
We had one guy who really enjoyed singing along with his music… :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Looks like the end is in sight, Jeanne! Yay!! Wonder if you and George will have another home improvement project now that the roof will be done? It seems like your home has been completely renovated and is certainly beautiful. I’m happy for you.
We’re all doing a happy dance for you!
Can’t wait to see Joy and Alina’s new dolls. Charlotte, we must see your new dolls and some of these outfits you’re making?!
Hi Paula
The roof is all done except for a few little pieces of siding we have to put up. The crew of workers is gone and we can move on to the next thing that comes our way…but hopefully not in the too near future….I need a break from projects…and expenses!! :o)
Tomorrow will be a dolly post! Yay!
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
The roof looks great! My hubby is a roofer and I love watching him roof. The piece that they lay down that you don’t know the name of is probably Ice and Water Shield. They lay that down as a barrier in between the roof and the shingles. My hubby has been know to work until 11:00 at night. Doesn’t happen very often, but it has been known to happen. 😀
Hi Christine
After watching these guys work the last 2 days, I have a new respect for roofers! Its hard, hot, long hours work…
The guys worked from 7:00 yesterday morning until about 8:15 last night and were back here at 6:45 thus morning and finished around 3:00…I know they have to be dead dog tired!
Thanks Christine
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, it looks like you picked the right roofing company. They know their stuff. Sounds like they really appreciated your snack buffet too. All of the workers here are originally from Mexico, so Spanish, on the job is a given. If it weren’t for them, no construction work would be going on to rebuild from the 2017, fires. I so wish that I had taken Spanish in school, but French has also been useful. 🙂
Well, on to day two. Simply love seeing all of the photos of the membrane installation and the one of George helping too. You need George to get one of you picking up to document your help too. What are the snacks for today? Might have to swing by. 🙂
Stay cool as it is going to be burnt toast here by Thursday.
Hi Joy,
Yes, we think we did pick the right roofing company. I’m going to do a blog post they can use as a customer comment review in a few days…
I did take Spanish for one semester in high school. But I learned more from Alba and Edgar while they were here.
I had actually thought I could use what snacks were left over from yesterday. For today, but when they took them all home last night. I made more.
I only had stuff for 2 batches of rice krispy bars but it didn’t seem to matter. I sat them at the edge of the garage and there wasn’t a single baggie left with a snack in it… and all the Gatorade was gone too…
We have to finish 2 small areas of siding and plan to get that done early in the morning while it’s still slightly cooler…
Thanks Joy
Blessings, Jeanne
Great job! That Ice and Water Shield is what was used on the flat roof portion of my house many years ago. I think it was new then. I asked the association to have that portion of the roof replaced when I read that insurance companies have access to a central data bank that keeps track of all claims. If a roof has not been properly maintained or is over a certain age, the insurance doesn’t have to cover inside damage from leaks. The rest of the roof is Spanish-style tiles. Your workers certainly deserve the treats. It’s an amazing transformation.
Speaking of insurance, you might want to look into upping your insurance to include all the wonderful improvements you’ve made over the past few years. Great job by everyone!
Hi Susette,
They had a small roll of the Ice and Water Shield stuff and they gave it to my hubby…he was thrilled.
We just called our insurance company yesterday and got the new roof added to our policy… it was up for renewal on Wednesday night at midnight. So if we can get the form signed and taken in to them we will get a portion or most of it back… and the new roof will be insured for REPLACEMENT value…not just for repairs… woo-hoo!!
We probably should update our inside improvements…hadn’t thought of that…
Thanks Susette
Blessings, Jeanne
Awe, it sounds like you made their day with all the nice treats, Jeanne! That is neat they were making tacos on their griddle in your gazebo. Hehe. Nice to see all the pictures! I am sure their families enjoyed the snacks, too 🙂 Congratulations on getting your roof fixed up 🙂 So exciting!
Our friend is teaching us how to play the piano for free, so I better keep practicing! Today we meet at 1!
Hi Karen,
I don’t know if I made their day with my snacks but they took everything home again today…
Oh, how fun when learning to play the piano…
My younger sister, Deb, was a piano Performance major in college… have fun practicing!
Blessings, Jeanne
I love seeing all your renovations but I’m really enjoying and living vicariously watching you get your new roof. I’m still waiting for mine but I have one of those “for want of” things going on here. We are planning to put a utility room and second bathroom on our house behind the garage and accessed through our breezeway. Will work out better than it sounds. David does not want to put the new roof on until he has the addition finished because add-ons often cause problems at the juncture with the existing roof if they’re not done right. Hopefully this will be completed soon but just as they were beginning to start the project other work came in that will make money so that comes first. Our roof is low profile and pretty simple and the guys will do it. Having a husband that’s been in construction for years and done it all is a decided asset and two boys who are still young enough to do the hard work is an added plus. Aside from getting paid they will probably hold out for a trip to Texas Roadhouse. That’s usually the way it works here.
I can’t wait to see all the new dolls and their new wearing attire. I’m still waiting on my Paola Reina Liu. I bought her a cute outfit also since I won’t have time to make her anything right away. I have two projects on the drawing board at the moment and I hear daily that I need to get to it because they (AGAT Sam and Paola Reina Cleo Patrice) haven’t a thing to wear. I’ve been trying to get all my patterns organized and more easily accessible and am nearly finished so I can get back to sewing. I, at the last minute, saw the sale at Happily Ever After. I bought three of the RRFF outfits. I usually buy outfits I can’t make easily but sometimes I think I just buy them for the shoes.
Things are so hot here that I can only stay out for a short time. With all the rain the weeds have gotten away from me and my front gardens need serious attention, since much in them died during are deep freeze in February. We’ve had such bad luck with so many things we planted there either from too much sun, not enough sun, too wet when it rains and moles. We have Four O’Clocks Sean planted on the side of the house years ago. They re-seed themselves. They totally disappear in the winter and then come back profusely in the spring. Their foliage is very nice and when they bloom in early evening they are absolutely beautiful and have a subtle scent. Mine are mostly a fuchsia color. I keep trying to get the yellow to grow around the house but they seem more content to grow elsewhere on the property. We’ve decided to try starting them in the one front garden up against the house but it will probably take awhile to get them going. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this years ago. They bloom for months, can take a lot of heat, and don’t need a lot of water and pests don’t seem to bother them either. Best of all the moles don’t seem to like them.
I know you’ll be glad to get back to sewing, but your home renovation blog posts are enjoyable too – and you’re getting it all out of the way so you can enjoy sewing when your body doesn’t feel like doing much else.
Hi Barbara,
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing our new roof go on and you can bet I’ll be cheering for you when it comes times for yours
My hubby wasn’t in construction…(until we bought this house) and since then hes’ been “majoring” in it! :o)
I hope you get your addition sooner than later. We have had to do lots of waiting because certain things had to be done first! It’s hard to wait, isn’t it???
I don’t know if this will ever happen but maybe someday there will be no more projects…well. at least major ones!!
Thank you Barbara
Blessings, Jeanne
I love watching the chronicle of the roof and your generosity to your workers. Much better than a fixer upper story on TV. You were blessed with a beautiful day. I hope the weather holds until the job is finished. You home looks great!
Hi Debbie,
The weather was wonderfully cooperative! It did get up to 90 but again we had rare humidity around 35 %. That means it wasn’t nearly as sticky as it usually gets! We live for days like these!
The Chronicle of the Roof…I like that. My hubby and I have to fix 2 small sections of siding and grind off around 25 nails that came through on the inside edge of the back porch… nobody saw it apparently…except my hubby….after everyone had left…
Thank you, Debbie, for your kind compliments!
Blessings. Jeanne
I showed hubby and he said the felt is called Synthetic Underlayment and they did not put any Ice and Water Shield on your house at all. (from what he could see of the pictures.)
Hi Christine
They did put the Ice and Water shield in the valleys. along the “eyebrows”, and up on some sections of the roof above my sewing room. They showed it to us and my hubby wanted some for his chicken coop roof…I was asking so many pictures, I probably just missed showing them…
Thanks
Blessings, Jeanne
Good to know. Hubby was shaking his head if they hadn’t put any on. XD
It looks wonderful and it’s nice they appreciate your drinks and treats😉Amazing what they can get done in a day. Hope today will be the last day and you can get back to normal. Now to wait for a rain to make sure everything is leak proof!
The red canvas they used looks great next to your house…. Next year plants something red or big red pots🤗
Hi Kathie,
Today WAS the last day for the roofers, but my hubby and I have to finish a few sections of siding tomorrow… although he just told me his list is a mile long of things to do still…so I guess he found some new things to finish… oh dear…
I liked the red too…and already said something to my hubby about it… :o)
Thank you Kathie
Blessings, Jeanne
Once all the original shingles came off and the roof was light, we could see how complicated it was. I loved seeing George and hearing about what you two did — no way can you stop working. The workers probably went home and talked about all the nice things you did. I’m glad you have this documented.
Hi Marilyn
The last guy to leave today, when they were all done, told us they have meetings every Tuesday morning and go over the roofing jobs they worked on the past week. He said they talk about everything from the owners questions to their compliments when they finished. I hope we were easy customers and didn’t drive them crazy.
He also said our roof had just about every detail imaginable and it was a very complicated one…plus the fact that it had to be decked with new wood in so many places, made it more time consuming…
I enjoyed seeing the Mexican workers walking around the house looking up at the roof and a few of them taking pictures…
What a happy ending!
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, you were an “angel” to the workers today. I believe that all of us can be angels. We just have to think of ways to anticipate the needs of others and to be there for them.
I enjoyed seeing your photos.
Thank you Dorothy,
I’m glad you enjoyed my pictures… we sure do like our new roof! It seemed like peanuts to thank those guys with Rice Krispy bars… but
they seemed to like them…
I hope you have recovered from your luncheon and all the work that involved…
Blessings, Jeanne