Sorry for the ongoing tsunami of tsuris you and BW have to deal with; hugs to both of you.
Paddy --
We got rid of our landline a couple of years ago as the baseline cost got ridiculous; we haven’t missed it. My one concern is communications in the event of a prolonged power outage (since the telco’s 12 volt power often remains on when everything else is out).
But backup cell phone batteries have gotten pretty cheap. And when I purchase the next uninterruptible power supply for my studio, I think I’ll buy one that’s way more robust than I need (which would provide many charges for phones and tablets.)
Cali --
Good luck with the Español; I’ll check-out Duolingo.
Sure Happy It’s Thursday, Gerbil Nation!
Good morning, Fatwa!
We had a high of 104°F yesterday and got 1/2 inch of rain. I also learned that the leak in my roof still exists. I guess it’s time to go up in the crawl space while someone else gets on the roof with a hose and try to pinpoint that leak. Not gonna happen until it cools down, though. The crawl space is probably close to 140°.
If you look at the crawl space today, you may well be able to see either water and/or staining to help you track the leak. Since it’s so hot up there, you can also just look for the stains after it cools down. (Been there, done that a few times.)
Also, water-testing the roof with a hose may not help if the leak is caused by wind-driven rain or if it only leaks in heavy downpours.
Addendum(b): Just emailed you my number; I might be able to assist you via phone.
The roof is fiberglass shingles over the original wood shake. Unfortunately there is so much staining over the entire roof (and has been since we moved in 24 years ago) that you really can’t tell where the current leak is.
Addendum(b): I appreciate the offer, Fatwa. I think I’ll wait until next week for this particular task. We really need to replace the entire roof, but we’re hoping to get another season out of it. It will survive with a tarp on it, but that’s not my first choice.
Shingles over wood shake may be a bit challenging to diagnose. 🙁
Don’t know OC building codes, but it’s nearly certain that you’ll need to install staggered 1/2″ CDX plywood over the space sheeting under the shakes when you replace your roof
Sure hope that you can get through this winter. And if the tarp works, ain’t nothing wrong with that. 😉
Plywood’s actually a good thing re the structural integrity of your house, but obviously adds to the job cost.
Speaking of which, as of 01/01/15, City of L.A.’s new regs re “solar reflectance” have increased the cost of all new roofs by 10-20% (depending on several factors) via legislative fiat. They’ve mandated materials which exceed CA’s statewide “Cool Roof” standards because FY,TW.
I can tell you one advantage of not having a ‘cool roof’ -- no termites. Seriously. Our attic crawl space is hot enough to kill those little buggers. The problem seems to be insufficient venting at the eaves. We have an attic fan mounted in one of the gable vents that’s run by thermostat. When set at 120° it runs constantly.
When you’re soliciting bids (hopefully next year), ask the various contractors for their recommendations. There are a few different approaches; they should be able to advise you re methods appropriate for your particular attic space / roof design.
(Also, since they’ve gotta go down to the space sheeting, might be a good time to think about replacing or adding insulation.)
We’ve got R-13 fiberglass insulation covered with blown-in cellulose. It looks like Brenda’s drier has been emptying its lint screen in our attic for several decades.
Good morniiiiiing, GN!
Fun thread GIF, Mac!
RabBeet --
Sorry for the ongoing tsunami of tsuris you and BW have to deal with; hugs to both of you.
Paddy --
We got rid of our landline a couple of years ago as the baseline cost got ridiculous; we haven’t missed it. My one concern is communications in the event of a prolonged power outage (since the telco’s 12 volt power often remains on when everything else is out).
But backup cell phone batteries have gotten pretty cheap. And when I purchase the next uninterruptible power supply for my studio, I think I’ll buy one that’s way more robust than I need (which would provide many charges for phones and tablets.)
Cali --
Good luck with the Español; I’ll check-out Duolingo.
Sure Happy It’s Thursday, Gerbil Nation!
Good morning, Fatwa!
We had a high of 104°F yesterday and got 1/2 inch of rain. I also learned that the leak in my roof still exists. I guess it’s time to go up in the crawl space while someone else gets on the roof with a hose and try to pinpoint that leak. Not gonna happen until it cools down, though. The crawl space is probably close to 140°.
Paddy --
If you look at the crawl space today, you may well be able to see either water and/or staining to help you track the leak. Since it’s so hot up there, you can also just look for the stains after it cools down. (Been there, done that a few times.)
Also, water-testing the roof with a hose may not help if the leak is caused by wind-driven rain or if it only leaks in heavy downpours.
Addendum(b): Just emailed you my number; I might be able to assist you via phone.
The roof is fiberglass shingles over the original wood shake. Unfortunately there is so much staining over the entire roof (and has been since we moved in 24 years ago) that you really can’t tell where the current leak is.
Addendum(b): I appreciate the offer, Fatwa. I think I’ll wait until next week for this particular task. We really need to replace the entire roof, but we’re hoping to get another season out of it. It will survive with a tarp on it, but that’s not my first choice.
Shingles over wood shake may be a bit challenging to diagnose. 🙁
Don’t know OC building codes, but it’s nearly certain that you’ll need to install staggered 1/2″ CDX plywood over the space sheeting under the shakes when you replace your roof
Sure hope that you can get through this winter. And if the tarp works, ain’t nothing wrong with that. 😉
You’re welcome to call anytime.
Yep, we’ll have to strip the roof and install plywood.
Plywood’s actually a good thing re the structural integrity of your house, but obviously adds to the job cost.
Speaking of which, as of 01/01/15, City of L.A.’s new regs re “solar reflectance” have increased the cost of all new roofs by 10-20% (depending on several factors) via legislative fiat. They’ve mandated materials which exceed CA’s statewide “Cool Roof” standards because FY,TW.
I can tell you one advantage of not having a ‘cool roof’ -- no termites. Seriously. Our attic crawl space is hot enough to kill those little buggers. The problem seems to be insufficient venting at the eaves. We have an attic fan mounted in one of the gable vents that’s run by thermostat. When set at 120° it runs constantly.
Heh!
When you’re soliciting bids (hopefully next year), ask the various contractors for their recommendations. There are a few different approaches; they should be able to advise you re methods appropriate for your particular attic space / roof design.
(Also, since they’ve gotta go down to the space sheeting, might be a good time to think about replacing or adding insulation.)
We’ve got R-13 fiberglass insulation covered with blown-in cellulose. It looks like Brenda’s drier has been emptying its lint screen in our attic for several decades.
Hahahahahaha!
Now imagine coming down the ladder, drenched in sweat, and covered in that fluffy goodness. Next imagine tracking it all over the house.
If I ever have to do that, I’ll try to remember to have the shop vac staged at the bottom of the ladder.
(As you might imagine, I’ve been in a few attics…but rarely during the summer.)