Shingling a Steep Roof is Not (Quite) as Scary as it Looks
Posted on 17. Aug, 2008 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in House, Projects
When we purchased our home, we knew that the roof was ancient and leaking.
Even I, who knew little about home renovation when we first moved in, could tell that the shingles were drastically deteriorated. Although I suppose it doesn’t take much to recognize that if a windy evening means that you’ll wake up to roof shingles littered throughout your flower beds, you’ve got a problem. (Not that we have any flower beds, but you know what I mean.)
We took possession of the house in the height of Winter, so we had legitimate reasons for putting off the re-shingling of the roof. Whenever Cameron would mention us doing the work on the roof ourselves, I would grit my teeth and say, “Remember, we do not talk about the roof! I can’t handle this topic!”
Because, seriously, have you seen our roof?
The pitch is 13/12, which, other words, means that it is extraordinarily STEEP and there in no possible way to walk on it unassisted.
This project is all the more complicated because neither of us are fans of heights.
Example: I once lined up to go on the Big Dipper roller coaster in Santa Cruz, California. I thought I might like it.
I didn’t.
By the end of the roller-coaster ride I had a headache, a stress pimple, and had said my last rites. Look at me, clinging on for dear life with a frightened half-smile.
So, no, I did not think that re-shingling our steep roof was something that I could handle.
Once the weather started to warm up, the roof conversation began to come up again. “Silence!” I commanded.
Eventually, the topic had to be discussed, because August started to tick by and there are only so many sunny days before the rain and snow is set to begin again. And so we started to do research about steep roofs.
We came across this site about shingling an old house with a steep roof, which ended up serving as inspiration for us. If I must admit it, it was this picture that put me over the edge:
There’s something about this woman that made me feel that maybe I could do it too.
And so we agreed to try it.
First, we rented “roof jacks” and boards; these refer to the horizontal boards that are attached across the bottom of the roof in the picture below.
Sadly, once we installed these boards, I discovered that there was no way on this green earth that I could will myself to get up on the boards.
No matter how much I wanted to (or needed to) I could not make myself stand on the roof via these horizontal boards.
This led to much worrisome discussion because Cameron, who is not that comfortable with heights to begin with either, would have to tear off the old shingles, repair roof boards, attach tar paper, and hammer thousands of shingle nails by himself without a trusty helper.
That night, we went inside worried. I tried to psych myself up as best as I could, but it just wasn’t going to happen–no matter what the pep-talk.
Thankfully, some time that night, Cam came up with an idea that saved us and our roof.
He built railings.
Without railings, walking along the boards was like balancing high on a balance beam. There is no way to reset your balance, and there is no feeling of security (for someone like me, anyway). Without railings, all of my concentration was focused on shuffling along, er walking. I could do nothing else.
With railings, I was able to walk comfortably along the plank with my hand resting on the railing. It gave me a sense of safety and something to hold onto. I could reset my balance by just touching the railings.
And so I got up. And we got to work.
The unfortunate and untimely thing is that my old Canon Powershot A60 digital camera has finally given up the ghost, so at the moment I have no way to share our further progress with you.
Just believe me when I say that since these photos were taken, we have both touched the peak of the roof, and we (ahem, Cam) just hammered the last shingle into place on the above-pictured side of the house. This means that we are half-finished re-shingling our entire roof!
We’ve set up another set of jacks with railings half-way up the roof, and there’s an elaborate and sturdy home-made stair system linking the two.
I must say that once again I am amazed at what we have accomplished, especially when I think about that first day when I thought there was no way in the entire world that I would be touching the peak of our roof. It’s like anything else: baby steps!
(Post-script: On this project, Cam does 98% of the work; I usually just hand him stuff.)
Andrea >> Become a consultant
Aug 18th, 2008
I am glad you did this. Consider using a harness too. My uncle recently fell off a roof, just missing the sidewalk pavement. It did not go well, although he lived and is recovering.
materfamilias
Aug 18th, 2008
Wow! This impresses me more than anything else you have done, because I share your fear of heights. The two of you must feel such pride over this home you’re building together. Wow again!
Vicki
Aug 18th, 2008
Loved this entry. Even liked it more because you are 1/2 way there! So I don’t have to worry so much now! It looks like you have thought this through and as you said Cam no rush job ensures safety. I too don’t like heights Cam. For that matter I don’t even like rides at the PNE or Disneyland as you may recall. I even hate the Ferris wheel! I will get in a plane to come see you though! Take Care Laura-Jane & Cam.
Andrea
Aug 19th, 2008
Wow – very impressive you two! You have one more reason to celebrate: Victoria native Simon Whitfield just won the silver in triathlon : ) I have goosebumps for all of you.
Marie
Aug 19th, 2008
Hi Laura-Jane,
great job on the roof ! and what the both of you have done with that house is indeed amazing !
Joyful Joy
Aug 21st, 2008
You are both soooo brave!!! I don’t do any rides, etc. I am definitely a horizontal space lover.
Congrats on completing over 1/2 of your roof job. That is quite an accomplishment. Have you two never considered the possibility of making this a reality TV show and gaining some income from that. I watched something similar which was filmed in Newfoundland. The only thing is, you might have to wear a bonnet, Laura-Jane and a long, flowing dress which might impede your roof progress.
Laura-Jane
Aug 27th, 2008
Thanks for all your support! As you can tell, I was really nervous about doing this, but it just goes to show you that a person can accomplish anything if they just take things small bit by small bit. Eventually, you’ll find yourself finished!
I read something that I really liked on a blog somewhere recently. “If you start something often enough, eventually, you’ll be finished.” I believe this means that you don’t need to look at the whole project all the time. If you just start chiseling away over and over and over at one thing (be it shingling a roof or writing a story), if you do it often enough you’ll be finished.
I’m not sure why I’m writing this here, but it seems to me to be relevent. Well, kind of!
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