When I returned home from my trip to Palm Springs a couple of weeks ago, I discovered that I had a leak in the bathroom. The overhead lighting fixture was full of water. I have lived in this cottage for twenty years, and the roof has always been excellent. I have never had a single leak until now. Well, there's a first time for everything.
I had the owner of a local roofing company come over today and take a look at it. He walked around on the roof for a while, and had trouble finding it. "Wow!" he told me. "This roof is in excellent condition. It can't be very old." "How old do you think it is?" I asked him." He answered that it couldn't have been here more than ten years. I told him that I have lived here for twenty years. When I bought the house, the previous owner told me that it was a fifty year roof, and that it was fifteen years old at that time. He couldn't believe it. I've always had a good feeling about this roof. It's simple, but effective.
He gave me an estimate to repair the seals. A couple of them are cracked. It will cost $275.00. Some water leaked into the one above the gas heater and traveled down to the bathroom. I am very relieved. I was afraid that I might need a new roof, and started feeling nervous about the cruise that I have planned. I have always felt that the material for this roof is ideal for our climate. None of the other houses have it. Theirs are all shingles. The roofer told me that they usually use this material for sheds or porches. It's light colored, and it reflects the heat very well. I have gone up there once a year and swept off the debris and branches. I also nailed some of the nails back in that were starting to pop out of the material. The Poplar has kept it shaded and protected during the hot summer months.
It is always rewarding to take care of your home. I asked him how much it would cost to eventually replace this roof, and he said that it would be between $2,000. and $3,000. My father paid $25,000. to replace his roof thirty years ago. It pays to have a smaller home. The type of roofing that I have is called mineral surface cap sheet. It's popular in the Southwest. I have been extremely happy with it. It is reasonably priced, and easy to install. You can see it in the cover photo of my blog. How is your roof?
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Nice to keep your home well maintained, even though it does surprise us sometimes with sudden need for repairs. I love your cover photo -it is all so cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting, earthmotherwithin. It is so energizing to maintain your home. I am very happy in this tiny cottage.
DeleteOurs is just 3 years old but we discovered a little leak in the ceiling so our builder is coming out to take a look. We also have a 50 year warranty so hoping it's something that isn't going to be an issue. I'm so happy yours is not a big issue and it won't affect your cruise! X Chy
ReplyDeleteHi achy, That's excellent that you have a fifty year warranty. It may just be a cracked seal, like mine was. I think it's worth it to get a quality roof.
DeleteThat's the thing with a smaller home cheaper to maintain.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
Yes, that's true, Living Simply. It involves less stress, less time, and less money.
DeletePhew!!!!! I bet you are relieved that the bill isn't eye watering. I can't wait until we eventually downsize to a tiny place.. well not too tiny but certainly not as big as our current home
ReplyDeleteHi Cherie, So many people tell me that they want to downsize. I really lucked out finding this place. It's ideal.
DeleteVery interesting. I'm not familiar with that type of roofing. Here on the East coast we use either asphalt shingles or metal. We replaced our shingles with a pretty green metal roof in 2012. It cost $9k but was well worth it. We are very happy as the snow slides right off. ;-) Bobi
ReplyDeleteHi Bobi, Yours sounds attractive and practical. It's interesting how various locations require different materials. Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteWhat a wonderful feeling to know the repair would be simple and not as expensive as you feared. We have a concrete tile roof which is supposed to last 30 years. We are at year 26 having bought the house as it was being built. We do have the roof power washed every 6 to 8 years which keeps the moss and algae to a minimum. The last wash was in September as part of the trim painting maintenance and the cleaner found 3 cracked tiles. He replaced them for us and said the roof was in very good shape. I was very relieved!
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, Yours sounds like it is excellent quality. That's wise of you to keep it so well maintained. I sweep mine once a year.
ReplyDeleteOne of my colleagues had to have a new roof for insurance purposes, and she said it was over $20k! That's a lot of money.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your repair was not expensive. My roof is about 9 years old. Sweeping the roof is a very good idea. I must get it done sometime soon.
Hi Nil, Yes, a new roof is a huge expense. It's definitely something I need to plan for over time. Your roof sounds like it is still in good shape. I wonder how long it will last?
ReplyDeleteSo glad it was not a huge expense to fix it all. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mereknits. It was a relief. Hope you enjoy your weekend, too.
DeleteI am not checking the roof, will have to organise that, there are too many hills and valleys and I not much for being up in the air. Glad that the repairs were at a reasonable cost and easy to fix.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, He asked me to go up there with him, which I did. (even with my replaced hips!) I know what you mean about heights. The older I get, the more careful I am. We had a big storm today, and the roof was perfect!
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Thank you for giving such an interesting article.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Shelter. Thanks for stopping by...
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