Finally, they are working on the shop

[William]

Computers!!

Bill

[Firedome]

Wonder why they don't use clay to take advantage of the lower weight, you'd think the cost difference wouldn't be that great on a structure that small. In VT we have a galvanized standing seam roof (no visible fasteners) like the ones on barns from back in the day, many still around after over 100 years. It has 50 year guarantee, light, and strong.

[electra225]

I'm guessing that concrete tiles are easier, quicker and cheaper to produce than the red clay tiles. Our house has cathedral ceilings and 2x6 trusses and a concrete tile roof. IT was built in 2008 and, so far, there are no cracks in the floor or in the stucco, so, apparently, if the building is built for them, the concrete tiles pose no long-term ills to the structure. If you buy a tract home like are available out here, red clay tiles cost extra. Most of the older homes with tile roofs have red clay, but in the last 20 years or so, concrete tiles have become the predominate style. Metal roofing is not popular in this area yet. You see it mostly on outbuildings or remodeling projects. I don't know of a new house around here that features a metal roof. I'm guessing heat control is the challenge with metal roofing, but I don't know that.

[electra225]

The bean counters wanted to put a 9,000 BTU mini split in the shop. I protested, sending them links to the contrary. Actually, by rights, we should be using a 16,000 BTU system. The best information I got from the manufacturer for use in AZ was to multiply the square footage by 25 then add 33% for humidity over 50% or temps over 90 degrees. That would make it around 13,200 BTU, the closest unit available would then be a 16,000 BTU unit. Better to go a little small than too large, operating in low humidity conditions. So, 12,000 BTU is going to be what we need. I won this round. The project manager admitted I was right. I hope they won't try a different or less efficient model. They made the mistake. That's not on me.

[19&41]

This will be it. You should get what you need and not suffer your contractors time limitations. I'm sure they've been through it.

[TC Chris]

That is a lot of weight. I have often wondered how much actual weight is on a Michigan roof after a foot of weight snow? Then, followed by more snow until you have a couple of feet up there?

Bill:

The snow weight depends on how old and how wet it is. My pre-code 1908 house has 2x4 rafters, not trussed. When the house was built, escaping heat melted the snow so there was never a big load. Now our heat is more expensive and it affects our climate so we are more careful. Now the house is insulated quite well and ventilated and the snow does not melt via natural gas so much. Knowing the rafters are 2x4, if spring comes and there's lots of snow up there and rain is forecast, I'll get out the roof rake and pull it off manually just in case. Upper body exercise is especially good for you, they say.

Chris Campbell

[William]

Chris, I do the same if the snow gets deep and it was a wet snow. My house was built in 1998 so it's trussed but weight is still weight. I use an Avalanche to remove my snow. It's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeH1g_vZoek

Bill

[electra225]

They are here this morning putting in the folding stairs for the upstairs storage area. Progress, for which I'm grateful.

[William]

Bill

[electra225]

The electricians come tomorrow, the foamers on Saturday, maybe. Always tomorrow and always maybe. We'll see and keep a good thought.

[William]

Progress at last!

Bill

[hermitcrab]

Chris, I do the same if the snow gets deep and it was a wet snow. My house was built in 1998 so it's trussed but weight is still weight. I use an Avalanche to remove my snow. It's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeH1g_vZoek

Bill

Depending on the size of your house , that looks like a all day job...where I am at , we are lucky if we get 6 inches anymore ..... use to be normal to get at least a foot or better .... not in the last 10 years ... the weather patterns are shifting... Detroit has been getting more snow than we get 100 miles to the north... I have a buddy that was a hard core snow machine rider, he had 6 of them ...sold all them this year ...he says the cost of gas and other expenses is just not worth it to load up the machines then drive 200 miles into the UP to still find decent snow to ride them anymore ...

[electra225]

The project manager just called. Electricians tomorrow, inspector on Monday to approve the "framing" and electrical. Trenching on Monday, stucco foamers on Tuesday, stucco Wednesday or Thursday. Mini split system on order, maybe three weeks out. We can forge ahead since they now say it is not necessary to have before we move forward. Drywaller may work during this time so they can spray the insulation in the attic. The first of the following week, we get the inspector again to make sure the building is still standing and so they can nail down the roofing tiles. Oh, I forgot. The painters show up after the stucco is shot on, and before the roofers and inspector show up. Roofers don't want the stucco guys messing up their work, so all the stucco and paint gets done BEFORE roofing is installed.

[William]

Wow, that is all really good news! Now, I hope they stand by their word.

Bill

[TC Chris]

Chris, I do the same if the snow gets deep and it was a wet snow. My house was built in 1998 so it's trussed but weight is still weight. I use an Avalanche to remove my snow.

Hey, that's cool, and the wheels would protect asphalt shingles. Does it work as advertised? I've got an old-school version.

Chris Campbell

[William]

Chris! They are a cool invention, and yes, they do work as advertised. I actually have two. One is mine, and one was my parents. Two problems, or, things you need to watch. If you have icicles on the house, knock them off first. If they fall while using the Avalanche they will go right thru it leaving a nice hole. Second, if your roof is long, edge to top, it won't reach all the way to the top. You can buy handle extensions, but, I just use a step ladder which does the trick.

Bill

[Firedome]

Sounds like progress!

The Fabral (concealed fastener) heavy gauge galvanized metal roof we have up N north has a 9/12 pitch and tends to shed snow very readily before it builds up, and I opted for no gutters, so the problem resolves itself. But due to lack of gutters the ice & snow sliding off damaged the Trex deck on the side porch, (our much larger front porch is under roof) so we had to replace some of it 2 yrs ago. Now we cover the side deck with plywood for the winter (it's only 8 x 8).

[electra225]

Today has been a good day!

First, I had a medical procedure done this morning. Not only did they not perforate my esophagus this time, but I have been pronounced "not dead". The suspected malady did not exist. I am going to live to fight another day, which is a blessing.......

And, we found a parking spot right by the entry door to the hospital. We didn't have to ask one of the guys with a golf cart to help us to the door. That was a miracle, that has never happened in the 10 years we have been going to this hospital.

Then, to top it all off, the foamer was here while we were gone. He was just leaving when we pulled into the driveway. One guy put the Tyvek and styrofoam on the shop. It looks nice. They put all the popouts in the right spot. They foamed across the outside outlet. I told the electricians it didn't look right. Now the electrician has to come lick his calf over. I need to pick up the little styrofoam balls laying all over the place. These guys don't clean up very well, but I am HAPPY to do that if it means there is progress. I took pictures and I'll share those when I get them loaded to the computer.

[William]

Congrats on your medical appointment today, and, the progress on the shop. I sounds like you were being looked after today.

Bill

[electra225]

Absolutely no question about that, Bill.

I spent two hours cleaning in the shop. I reckon it is now semi-officially weather tight. If it rains, I shouldn't get water inside the building. I'm guessing maybe stucco is next? Then paint? Then roof tiles nailed down? Should we hope for more activity yet this week? Fingers crossed and good thoughts all around......