From the moment we started looking at the flat, we knew the roof replacement would be the single biggest aspect of the entire project. With the structural work finally completed, it's time to start work on it.
I had originally planned on starting work on the front and finishing with the rear, where we would be building the new dormer. (A dormer is a vertical window that projects out from a sloping roof - our design uses a very large dormer to give the new 2nd floor (loft level) a decent ceiling height). Our Polish crew who did the structural works advised that we start at the back and build the dormer first, so it can help carry the weight of the new steel that will be installed along the roof's hip rafter (corner roof beam). After some thought, I realized they were right...so we're started at the back.
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| Morning of Dec 23rd - the original roof |
As a result we decided to only demolished the rear face of the roof - the other sides would be removed once the dormer was completed. This would minimize the amount of the flat that was exposed and had no roof! The demolition started slowly - I first opened the areas where our posts would go - wanted to be sure it would be OK before ripping the whole thing off.
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| The first few slates removed - locating a post for the new dormer |
We also setup a string line to locate what would be the top of the new dormer. While allowing us to visualize what was to come, it also allowed Jimmy to start sizing the posts.
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| Starting at the top and working our way down. BTW - that's the living room down there! |
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| Jimmy |
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| 4pm (it's gets dark really early in the winter) |
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| 5pm - wrapping up for the evening |
At the end of the day we put up a blue tarp to protect the inside of the flat from any rain and moisture. Putting that thing up in the dark and wind was a total nightmare - have to find a better way to do that.
