Posted: 8/26/2010 6:08:04 AM EDT
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(if this cannot be posted here, please let me know and delete)
I'm planning on reroofing my house on Labor Day weekend. We were going to hire someone, but the prices are out of this world. We've decided to do it ourselves. I have a buddy who used to do roofing who is going to help. He was going to bring 5 roofing buddies, but they all backed out. I have another buddy that was going to help, but he has to work. So right now it is my buddy, my wife, and I. We only have Saturday and Sunday, as my friend works on Monday. So it's looking like we might be a little on the light side. Could use an extra body or two (the more the merrier). I don't have a whole lot of cash, but I'm willing to pay whatever is fair. All the food and beer you can drink is included. And if you're interested, you're more than welcome to play with some of the NFA toys (suppressors, SBR's, and two MG's.) If the neighbor is willing to let us borrow his field, we can blast some .50 BMG too. My biggest concern is we try to do it with 3 people, and it's not enough, and we have to stop in the middle. I work Monday through Friday, so weekends are all I have. I'm located between Stevens Point and Waupaca. If anyone's interested, let me know. Really only need an extra body or two. It's a 2 story farm house. We're removing asphalt over shake, and installing a Pro-Steel roof (from menards). |
It's a definite maybe...... But be warned , I don't drink cheap beer  . I am no roofer , but I sure can fuck shit up with a hammer and it looks like I am off that weekend. How are you planning on peeling the old roof off? more importantly , How many implements of destruction (and is there a micro bus) do you have to do it? If I come I MAY be able to get one or 2 of those roofing shovel things that work so well for tearing old roofs off )Got to see what the old ladys schedule looks like and I'll get back to you..... ( happen to know the pitch? reasonable roofs don't bother me, I don't roof cliffs
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Are you planning on tearing down the the rafters? Or just the top layer of shingles? How many layers are allowed here per law? It might be easier to just shingle right over the top of the existing ones. If doing a tear off, I recommend renting a big roll-a-way dumpster to put all the debris in. I helped do a few and the ones that rented a dumpster made the job a helluva lot easier in the long run. I also suggest renting a (depending on help, rent 2 or 3) roofing nailer and air compressor to help expedite the job. Do you have a pretty straight roof? Or do you have a few gables and odd roof angles? That too will play a roll in ease of doing it. You might also get to join "The Club" if you mix said alcohol and nailers! Obligatory pictures of course! |
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Guaranteed that I will join "the club". I hurt myself on a regular basis, although not as severe. lol..
We are removing the shingle and shake, and putting on steel. Not planning on removing the sheeting unless absolutely necessary. My Buddy is bringing a few tools, and I have a few. With the metal roofing, looks like I'll need to rent or buy a decent tin/metal snips. I'm not sure if the nails can use a power nailer, or if they have to be done by hand (never roofed before). They have a rubber grommet at the head to help seal the it up (the fasteners are exposed). I'm looking at either renting a dumpster, or using my trailer to haul off loads as need be. A dumpster is going to be $400.If I can haul with the trailer, it will be cheaper. WE were going to ho with the hidden fastener, but it would be almost $1k more. So F-that. The wife is a great cook, and will be working with us too. I probably won't drink while I'm on the roof, but certainly will afterwards. I do have a fold out couch, and a few army cots if interested. I also have a popup camper that has seen better days, but it's something. ETA: I don't have the roof rakes yet to peel off the old stuff. Will probably have to pick up one or two. As for pics, we are going to make some more measurments tonight, and order tomorrow. While we're up there, I'll take some pics. |
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I can't help that weekend but I could send you a left and right hand snips, a large snips and a wide pliers, couple hand rivet guns too if needed...caulk guns?
Not sure if it would be worth it, I'm down in Washington county, if someone is going from this area, I could give the stuff to them, otherwise I could ship them. Let me know. Bob |
Well..just got off the roof. I am going to have problems with height. 
As for the roof, it has TWO laters of singles, with wood shake shingles underneath. Looks like they just went right over the existing last time, including the flashing. Here's all the pics I could upload before the camera died. I will upload more as soon as the battery charges. (spare was dead too... go figure.) Facing East 
Facing North 
Facing south-east-ish. 
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That is a steep sucker. 12 pitch? could be 14. No clue. It's not a ranch, but it's not a cliff either. We're looking into the cost of a cherry picker/lift of some sort, to reach those edges safer. The wife is content with strapping on a rope, and tying off to the chimney or a tree. I'm probably just going to stay away from the edges, and try to get them with the chery picker. Something high enough that will kill me if I fall doesn't bother me. But something this high, just enough to really f you up, kinda makes me iffy. 
Facing northwest 
Facing North 
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OK, closer to a 10 I think (if you look at the end, and measure 12" over, however many inches up to meet back with the roofline is the pitch, so a 12 pitch is 12 over and 12 up, or 45° yours looks like a 10 from that angle) Still steep.
If you go to home depot, or a retal place you can get roof jacks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-LU4kvr61g The yellow thing is the jack. you nail 2 down, then you lay a 2x4 or 2x6 accross, instand ledge for you to put your weight on. That particular application might not be right, but you see the jack at least. |
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Update your homeowners insurance just in case someone gets hurt.A $1,000,000 umbrella policy is good to have in case the workers aren't insured. My homeowner's is through USAA, and they are cancelling me.
They gave me the mortgage, then 3 months later, told me the house is uninsurable. Policy expires in October, hence the race to get stuff fixed up. |
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I was a roofer from 1968 - 1985. I'm now 60, and way too old to be crawling around on a 10-12 (the roof pitch IS 10-12 on that house) or I'd help if it weren't a holiday weekend (my current business means I don't get off from work when the tourists flock north... especially holidays. I'm usually busier than a one legged man in an ass-kicking contest).
I still have some tools you're welcome to use if you have a way to get them from Eagle River and back. I've got a special "tear-off" tool (looks like a shovel) and some roof jacks. Another thing that comes in handy on a steep roof is known as a "chicken" ladder. I had 2, but I sold them. But you can make your own. It's not really a ladder used for climbing, but it looks like a ladder, thus the name. You lay it flat on the roof, hooked over the peak to hold it in place. You can then use it's steps to have traction going up or coming down the slope. To make one, you'll need two long 1X4's and some 1 foot long pieces of 1X2 or 2X2, and some steel brackets shaped like an "L" for hooking it over the peak of the roof. You lay the 1X4's parallel to each other with their outside edges about 1' apart. Screw a 1X2 or 2X2 across like a ladder rung, about 1' apart from top to bottom. The two "L" brackets get securely screwed or bolted to the top end of the 1X4s, facing away from the side you put your steps on. The ladder lays flat on the roof slope, with the L's hooked over the peak to keep it from sliding down. It can literally be a life-saver, and it can certainly make the job easier, especially when you're applying the new metal roof ... roof jacks can't be used on the new roof without putting in potential leakers from the nails needed to hold them... chicken ladders don't need nail holes, and that new metal is gonna be slicker than snot on a door-knob. Needless to say, when you start removing the old roof, you start at the top and work your way down. When installing the new one, remember one thing... water runs down hill. You cannot have any seams anywhere that do not overlap from the top over the bottom piece. No amount of caulk or glue or roof cement will make up for gravity and time. Good luck, and take your time and be safe. |
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Good luck, and take your time and be safe. Thanks! That chicken latter is a good idea. We haven't picked up the scraper tools yet, but might this weekend. I'm guessing it's cheaper to buy them than to drive up to Eagle river. Do you recommend a certain style? I've seen some that are spiked shovels. Others that have wheels, etc. I don't know what's best. We had looked at renting a boom lift, but they are pretty pricey. |
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Update your homeowners insurance just in case someone gets hurt.A $1,000,000 umbrella policy is good to have in case the workers aren't insured. My homeowner's is through USAA, and they are cancelling me.
They gave me the mortgage, then 3 months later, told me the house is uninsurable. Policy expires in October, hence the race to get stuff fixed up. ouch. And no offense, but it seems like this might be a bit over your head. My brother used to do roofing and has quite a few friends who still do in the Madison area. I'd maybe save up the money and have it done professionally. Not only is that a pretty steep pitch for your average Joe, but that's going to take you more than 2 LONG days to tear off and completely finish. And what is the reason why the house is uninsurable?? |
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And what is the reason why the house is uninsurable?? 100% Pure bullshit. That's what. They issued the policy, but did not come out until 2 months later. Apparently they assumed it was a house, not a farm. They wanted me to bulldoze my barn and pumphouse. We have animals, and that is CLEARLY not an option. The barn is in good shape, has a newer metal roof that does not leak, and the foundation was rebuilt in the past 5 years. They said it doesn't meet their underwriting guidelines (officially), but my take from the phone conversations is that they only insure houses, not farms. We've already had two other insurance companies state that they would gladly insure us. I've had many issues with USAA in the past year, and am ready to give them the boot. Sad...Great service for 9 years, then in the last year, I've lost any confidence I've had in them. As for saving up and having it professionally done, not an option at this time. We need a roof before winter. Don't want to put it off any longer. The quotes we received for installed metal roofing were astronomical. My wife and I will start ripping off shingles ahead of time (thursday or Friday, weather permitting). That way we can get some done ahead of time. ETA: The friend of mine that's going to help out used to do roofing, so we at least have someone somewhat experienced. Don't get me wrong, If I won the lottery, I'd have it all done professionally. But unfortunately that's not an option at this point. We had contemplated going with asphalt for now, but figured why do it half assed? why not just do it right with metal, and be done with it? |
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Good luck, and take your time and be safe. Thanks! That chicken latter is a good idea. We haven't picked up the scraper tools yet, but might this weekend. I'm guessing it's cheaper to buy them than to drive up to Eagle river. Do you recommend a certain style? I've seen some that are spiked shovels. Others that have wheels, etc. I don't know what's best. We had looked at renting a boom lift, but they are pretty pricey. The spiked shovels. They're not too heavy, and believe me, after about 3-4 hours into tearing off, you'll wish they were even lighter. What is the bottom layer of the current roof? If it's asphalt shingles, you might consider leaving the bottom layer in place, if they're not too warped and/or rotten. The biggest problem with metal roofs is the sound they transmit through when it's raining. A layer of shingles under the metal acts as a noise reducer. |
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I've had many issues with USAA in the past year, and am ready to give them the boot.
If this isn't your first issue with them, what are you waiting for? I've closed out multiple bank accounts. My homeowner's policy expires in october, and I will be taking my auto and homeowner's elsewhere at that time. Makes the most sense. |
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What is the bottom layer of the current roof? If it's asphalt shingles, you might consider leaving the bottom layer in place, if they're not too warped and/or rotten. The biggest problem with metal roofs is the sound they transmit through when it's raining. A layer of shingles under the metal acts as a noise reducer. From what I can tell, wood shingles/shake. It appears to be 2 layers of asphalt shingle, and wood shingles on the bottom. As we peel off, we can better gauge the condition underneath. I'm not sure if it's 3 layers in all places, or just some. Who knows. |
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It might be a while before he answers, Menards screwed him on the delivery so he had to drive to Eau Claire and pick up the new roofing materials himself tonight. Thats pretty fucked up I was pissed. We ordered the supplies on Friday. They waited till Tuesday to order. Then they tell us they won't be here till Tuesday. So I had to haul ass to get a trailer (which was the wrong kind, so had to get a different trailer). Then had to run to Eau Claire, to find out that the 12 foot roofing would not fit in the 12 foot trailer because they put it in a 16 foot box. So we had to break it down. Then it rained like a mofo. Luckily, think went great today. Two layers of shingle, and a layer of cedar shake. No sheating underneath, 1x12-ish boards. Close enough that we can put the metal over them, but will need to replace some. We got about 80% of the stripping done today. Few minor spots to take care of tomorrow, then we start installing the new stuff. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow. For now, it's time for food, beer, and a frozen bag of vegetables to sit on. lol...that peak takes a toll on the backside. |
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Quoted: Finally got all the old crap off. The last side apparently was done by someone that loved nailguns. TONS of nails all over. ugh. Got some felt down, but need to finish felt tomorrow, and install the metal. Hopefully no rain. will edit with pics. Good luck , sorry I could'nt help more..... My arms are still burning from that freaking shovel |
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Finally got all the old crap off. The last side apparently was done by someone that loved nailguns. TONS of nails all over. ugh. Got some felt down, but need to finish felt tomorrow, and install the metal. Hopefully no rain. will edit with pics. Yeah just read through the post. Two layers with shakes is about as bad as it gets (Although, I have done a roof with 5 layers on it once in milwaukee, that was terrible). Especially the shakes, those damn little nails they use. |
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Well... done for the night. entire roof is covered with felt/tarpaper. We got some of the valley flashing up, but it was getting unsafe to be up there. Hopefully the tarpaper can handle what rain we get in the next day or two. As soon as the sun comes out, me and the wife will have to see if we can get the rest done ourselves. It's pretty much trim to fit, and screw in the panels. The hardest part is definitly removing the old shit.
lol...it's been a nightmare. But with a 100 year warranty, hopefully it won't ever be a nightmare for me again. 
If anyone else needs to borrow some roofing tools, I have quite the collection. Thanks again to Sprayandpray, and my buddy Matt for helping out. We'd have been up a creek without you. |
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Make sure you have that tar paper fastened down real good. It's not the best stuff when the wind kicks up. I have to say that (at least in Madison) they are calling for 25+MPH winds on Tuesday. If it was me I would get up there and nail down some lathe over the paper so that the wind cannot get ahold of it and tear it up. FYI glad my garage roof went better than it appears your roof is going. I put a new roof on my garage this weekend. I had to get Unique1 (thanks pal you rock) over to help put down new plywood but after that the wife, daughter (12), and I did the whole thing by ourselves. |
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Quoted: Well... done for the night. entire roof is covered with felt/tarpaper. We got some of the valley flashing up, but it was getting unsafe to be up there. Hopefully the tarpaper can handle what rain we get in the next day or two. As soon as the sun comes out, me and the wife will have to see if we can get the rest done ourselves. It's pretty much trim to fit, and screw in the panels. The hardest part is definitly removing the old shit. lol...it's been a nightmare. But with a 100 year warranty, hopefully it won't ever be a nightmare for me again. If anyone else needs to borrow some roofing tools, I have quite the collection. Thanks again to Sprayandpray, and my buddy Matt for helping out. We'd have been up a creek without you. Sucks it all went to shit..... Sorry to hear it. The real question is , How drunk did you guys get Saturday night ?
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Sucks it all went to shit..... Sorry to hear it. The real question is , How drunk did you guys get Saturday night ? Me? not too bad. Still felt groggy as hell, but not too bad. The rest? Oh they drank. lol...Something about chasing golfballs into the field in the middle of the night, and getting covered in grass and mud. My buddy Matt did the most drinking, and suprisingly did the most work. He's hard core.....cleaned up some old UV orange and blue, then polished off 99 bananas. So far talked to two different places that will be able to get people out there today or tomorrow. As soon as Tera wakes up, we get to figure out the game plan. |
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Well... looks like we're going to have a roofing company come out tomorrow and finish. Tera is sick today, and there's no way I'll be able to help much until the weekend.
Not gonna be cheap, but I guess it's cheaper than having to replace a bunch of water damage. 
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Well... looks like we're going to have a roofing company come out tomorrow and finish. Tera is sick today, and there's no way I'll be able to help much until the weekend. Not gonna be cheap, but I guess it's cheaper than having to replace a bunch of water damage. Good idea. Plus I was going to say, better check if that 100 year warranty covers it if you were to do it yourself. |
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you did most of the hard expensive part. Tear ofs is where you get raped pretty bad as it is just labor.
Plus they aren't marking up the roof materials at all. This is probably a good thing, no worries on install, if there are any leaks you call them back and make them fix it. Bob |
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you did most of the hard expensive part. Tear ofs is where you get raped pretty bad as it is just labor. Plus they aren't marking up the roof materials at all. This is probably a good thing, no worries on install, if there are any leaks you call them back and make them fix it. Bob Agreed. I'm ready to be done with it. I do not recall if the warranty stipulates professional install only, but oh well. |
| Well...contractor came out, and recommended replacing the fascia board first. We were planning on doing this eventually, but it makes much more sense to do it before the roof is in place. Will be a bitch to do otherwise. So, for the mean time, They are going to help us put on a roof tarp. They'll come back out Sunday, and we'll do the fascia and roofing panels. They only had two peopel today, but will have 4 on Sunday, plus me and the wife. Can't afford any other delays, so hopefully all goes to plan. |
Well... It's almost fucking 11am, and the fucking roofer hasn't arrived. I called at 8:30 asking where the fuck they were, and they said they were on their way. I've got a trip planned starting wednesday, and if the roof isn't done, we can't go. Fucker said he'd be here, and we'd get everything squared away today, complete. I don't see how the hell he plans on doing that if he isn't even here yet.
(if extensive use of the F-word is not permitted, please accept my apologies and edit as necessary. I'm livid) |
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Update to previous rant: he finally called at noon to say he is too busy. Not coming till Wednesday. He says the tarp will hold. The same tarp that caused a waterfall in my laundry room when it rained on Friday.
Have I mentioned to avoid K&S construction, out of the Appleton area? |
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Got some good progress this weekend. A buddy from work has put metal roofing on farm buildings before. He spent Saturday helping us out. We got most of the back done, the west side, and part of the inside. Got 9 feet of ridgecap up. Probably about 50% done total. Hopefully we can finish up next weekend. Few minor problems, but nothing that bad.
West Side: 
North Side: 
After the roof, it's time to replace some siding, scrape, and paint. |
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DONE!
No pics, as we were too friggin tired, and had work to do in the barn. Put up the last of the ridge cap today. I think we got shorted a piece, so we've got a 5 foot section of smaller pieces connected that looks like shit, but it'll work for now. We'll replace it when we order the stuff for the porch. We still have rake trim and valley over-flashing to install. Neither would absolutely have to be done before winter, but we'd like to get both. Fascia and soffit WILL wait, as will the porch roofs (rooves?). So glad it's mostly done. No tarp needed anymore. Ready for the first rain, to see if we notice any leaks. After the rake trim is up, we get to re-insulate the attic. Plenty of that blown in, blew out. Along with a few ~100 year old corn cobs. 
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