I discovered that this dreary weather has taken a toll and kicked me when I am already down. Keeping a happy face despite the stress of this pandemic, I finally met my match. For the last two days I just wanted to roll over in bed and forget. Forget the day, forget the suffering, forget the routines, and forget the fact that I have not had my first jab.
On August 6th, 2020 a violent hail storm came through and beat my three roofs to bits. The insurance company called them a total loss. I never liked the typical three-tab shingles, so I priced metal. Angels were looking out for me, and I was referred to an Amish family who specializes in metal roofing. After my appointment in October, I signed on. There was a long wait list.
A week ago my phone rang and they were ready…they gave me a ONE DAY notice…I hung onto my hat and three days later, with five men on my roofs, I had my transformation.
Below you can see snippets of my old/new roofs…house, carport and garden shed.
The former shingled roof.
Old cedar shakes on the garden shed. I did like the shakes but how fragile they are…
lovely. just lovely
precise workmanship!
Finally a more handsome abode. For nearly twenty years, I have worked, worked, worked on this 1970’s ranch…
The great part of metal roofing is that the old asphalt shingles remain on the building…that translates to no waste going to a landfill. A good thing. And the metal has an Energy Star rating and a 40 year warranty!
Ok, no wonder I am exhausted. But, wait! On March 6th, my HVAC system is being replaced! Yes, I am a masochist! This translates to workmen being inside my attic space (filled with R35 cellulose), tramping down my narrow attic stairs with the old air handler, walking through the living/dining room, and out the front door. They must dismantle/assemble what goes out and what comes in, THEN new lines must be run the full length of the attic, out the soffit, and down the outside of the house to the new unit. OMG!!!
This time the $$$ comes out of my pocket. Yippee!
This is why at my ripe old age, I continue to produce income. I wonder what I would do if I did not own this money pit.
That is why I call home…MY NEEDY BOX.
Do you have one? Do share in the comments section.
The forecast says more sleet in two days. I’d best get myself outdoors this 50-ish F sunny afternoon, as soon I will be hold up in my kitchen baking orders or under a pile of mohair blankets binging on YouTube.
Copyright © 2021 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
home, garden, life 
The roofs looks terrific and will serve you so well. And good you get this all done now so in Spring you’ll be in full swing cooking and baking. Takes time and investment, but worth it.
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Thanks Jeanne. Just need to get them back to re-do the range vent and adjust the antenna so I get my channels back. THEN comes the HVAC on March 6th. I decided to take the next two weeks off market so I dont overdue it. Spring will be here way too soon. Pat Jazzy for me. D.
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Your new roofs update your property.
Yes, owning a house is like pouring water into the ocean. Linda
~sent via email
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I can commiserate about the needy house situation as we live in a 100+ yr old house in western NY. Little to no insulation as far as I know and an attic stuffed with my husband’s political memorabilia and other collectibles that he won’t part with. No way insulation could be installed there without a major effort. And many other maintenance issues needing to be attended.
On the vaccine front, we wait and wait as demand far exceeds supply and appt availability even as the governor keeps adding new groups to the eligibility list. Maybe by summer?
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Pat, perhaps your hubs’ attic stuff is adding insulation. 😉
I am told cellulose is a great insulator, but until they encapsulate the stuff, I would never use again. Blown in an attic, the stuff is nothing but thick dust. Feel sorry for the HVAC guys coming March 6th as they will bathe in the stuff.
As a market vendor, I am considered essential worker, yet none of the vendors are vaccinated yet. Go figure.
Thanks for your comments. Diane
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Your new roofs looks great! Congrats.
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Your metal roofs make good sense in our changing climate, they are very impressive. With our hot Australian summers we have spent a great on insulating our house in recent years… but worth it.
Happy baking!
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Hope all is well down under. The US is still behind the 8-ball here regarding the vaccines. We could be waiting months, with people in their 80’s and those in nursing homes getting jabbed first. Thanks for writing. Diane
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Here it is mid November and when the roofer returned to check the chimney, he stated that metal has gone up 50% since my job in March! Yikes!
Now in the process of replacing the lower patio retaining wall. 40+ YO railroad ties are shot, so pressure treated lumber going in. At least the prices of that has come down recently.
Never a dull moment.
How are you there?
Ready for summer? Diane
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It has been raining and cold all through spring, hopefully the sun will come out for summer.
Amazing that the metal has gone up 50% in such a short time!
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What can’t I comment on your blog posts? I dont see a place to comment? Weird. We just had blowing hard rain overnight, so the leaves will be everywhere I don’t want them. Blech. Good luck this summer. Diane
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I think you have to click on the title of the blog post and that brings up the comments too.
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Gabriel, The current price for this metal (Marco Metals, Harrisonburg) with Amish labor was the same as three-tab shingles with local installers priced two years ago. A real no-brainer. It only took twenty years and a hail storm for me to get my wish. 😉
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Loooove your new roof…How did it compare price wise VS shingle? We may roll our eyes about the constant interior and exterior maintenance…but in this very crazy world, I am beyond blessed and grateful for the insulation of space, simplicity, and my own water source.
Don’t be a Stranger. Loving my gardens.. Beautiful lifelines that have amazing effects on those who enjoy them.
Best
Gabriel
434 996 6075
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