A few years back our homeowners insurance company was complaining about our shake shingle roof based on a picture they saw on the Internet, according to them, of our roof. I thought they were nuts but, we had to hire a roofing contractor or face losing our insurance. We changed insurance companies instead.
I thought that sounded like a good idea until the next year the new insurance company gave us the same information. Fix it or we can't renew your policy. OK, I caved in and hired the "professionals" who did a great job of replacing eight shake shingles and added one piece of sheet metal to the ridge.
I vowed then before I hit my next milestone birthday which is next year, that I would replace the roof doing a lot of the work myself because, I can.
Last week the weatherman said we'd have good weather for at least eight days. Living here in Northern Nevada, he will always add, but wait five minutes that might change.
A quick trip to the building department and I had my permit. Twenty minutes later, my husband and I were up on the roof ready to strip off the old shake roof.
I call it a spatula with a shovel handle, I'm sure it has a more professional name. This is a must have. If you hook it under the horizontal layer of roofing, you can scrape along about a foot at a time. Once you have a pile you can toss it down to the tarp next to your house. Although it would have been nice to have a Dumpster, we are doing this job on the cheap.
The first day we were able to strip the back side of the house and finish the front the second day.
By the third day we needed a break and lots of Advil and hot pads. I think I can say by the time you are reading this column that the roof is finished and it looks terrific. Know anyone who wants some fireplace starter?
This is a very messy job. It's hard to believe how much fine dirt gets trapped under the shake. I know what you're thinking, here in Johnson Lane? It's tough on your back because you are constantly bending over and down but I thought it was quite fun.
Usually our daffodils in the front planter open to eight inches of March snow, this year they opened to shake shingles all over them.
Tip: Use a nail puller with a longer handle wrapped in tennis racket grip tape.
Another tip, plan on doing the job when no wind is predicted.
Welcome to spring.
Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.