Monday, August 20, 2012

A rough roof


 We started work weeks ago on the roof at the back of the barn. The old shingles were no longer doing their job and the planks underneath had to be replaced. We started off by mixing up 250 kilos of concrete to make a foundation for a new supporting post. Then we took off the old roof and discovered that the beams underneath were a bit soft on top. So we chiseled away the spongey bits and sandwiched the beams together with some fresh planks, lashings of wood oil and glue and a few nuts and bolts, the MOTH's idea.




Then we had to wait for a couple of dry days to nail on the new planks and cover it all up with two layers of tar paper and asphalt. Last Monday and Tuesday were dry, which was perfect as I started work again on the Wednesday.


This weekend we finished off with bargeboards and a splash of paint. Fingers crossed it will last the winter.

And the only thing I fell off was my bike as I dashed home for a quick lunch with the family on Thursday, skidded in some gravel and took the skin off my left elbow.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

OUCH!!!!!! Elbows are very painful. Don't know why we call it the funny bone. It's not in the least humerous.

Still, it looks as if you've done a good and professional job on the barn. Well done, both of you.

P.s. Mummy says she knows just how your elbow feels. She did the same thing last Christmas playing football with you and the girls on our car park.
Much love to you all, Granny and Pa.

Lori Skoog said...

You did a beautiful job with the barn roof! Hope your elbow has recovered.

Nea said...

Thank you Lori, Mike & Ann.

As I came in through the door on Thursday for lunch I called out:
"I've done a granny!"
And they all came running to help :)

Still a bit sore, but the plasters are off and it's healing fast.

Pat said...

My goodness - even in our hey day we couldn't have managed that.
Kudos! And could you spare a little concrete to bolster up my mat well before I order a new one please?

Crowbard said...

A slightly dished roof with some very dishy roofers!
The ability to perform practical skills is dependent mainly upon one's willingness to have a go yourself and to ask anyone who knows how to get started. The internet is very helpful for do-it-yourselfers.
The great thing about emergencies is their power to bring out the best in everyone at hand. I deeply admire your achievements.
Love GUC

Linda Wise said...

A roof renovation is very tiring! What’s good about this is that a new roof means renewed protection! Did the two of you finish the renovation all by yourselves? The outcome looks good! Good job!

-Linda Wise