considering buying an extremely old house - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #1 07-19-2012, 05:21 PM

Dudesky · #2 07-19-2012, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropnosky

need some advice on roofing!

Its an 1822 house, so 190 years old, very small at 900 square foot. It has a cedar shingle roof, which appears to have reached the end of life, most of it is covered in moss, and other stuff, and its coming off.

I was doing some research, and if I buy this house, im going to have to replace the roof surface, and do some work on one wall. Price is right though, its on short sale and a steal.

Ill know more after a home inspection is done on all the house systems, but I can tell just from looking at it the roof will be needed soon.

My question is what are the different substrates between the cedar shingle, and the asphalt roof material? Whats the best way to get the shingles off? Ive been watching youtube videos, and think it looks straightforward, but any advice would be appreciated.

I don't put much weight in home inspections. They're very topical at best and they tend to not look in detail to keep their butts out of liability suits.
Wait until you sign the paper work...all kinds of outs for them.
I'd crawl through that entire house myself from top to bottom.

t walgamuth · #3 07-19-2012, 07:59 PM

I'd say before anything else explore the actual condition of the wood shingles. the roof looks nice and square etc. so they might be a lot better than you think if you can get the moss off them.

Under the cedar shingles could be skip sheathing or plywood depending on when they were installed.

I would be very surprised if there are very many boards as small as 1x2. I would expect a minimum of 1x3 or 1x4 since you have to be able to walk on it as a practical matter.

If you will explore carefully the construction methods of the roof and the ceiling I will be happy to make a recommendation for insulation treatment. Doing it wrong can be very detrimental to your structure.

Ho, yeah, very nice looking house!

JB3 · #4 07-20-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I'd say before anything else explore the actual condition of the wood shingles. the roof looks nice and square etc. so they might be a lot better than you think if you can get the moss off them.

Under the cedar shingles could be skip sheathing or plywood depending on when they were installed.

I would be very surprised if there are very many boards as small as 1x2. I would expect a minimum of 1x3 or 1x4 since you have to be able to walk on it as a practical matter.

If you will explore carefully the construction methods of the roof and the ceiling I will be happy to make a recommendation for insulation treatment. Doing it wrong can be very detrimental to your structure.

Ho, yeah, very nice looking house!

can the cedar shingles be powerwashed? I just did this with asphalt, I might try that first to uncover them. Im definitely going to be careful, though there is one area which concerns me, a small tree limb is up there sticking out of the roof in a manner that looks like its stabbed into the roof, but there are no leaks somehow.

t walgamuth · #5 07-20-2012, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropnosky

can the cedar shingles be powerwashed? I just did this with asphalt, I might try that first to uncover them. Im definitely going to be careful, though there is one area which concerns me, a small tree limb is up there sticking out of the roof in a manner that looks like its stabbed into the roof, but there are no leaks somehow.

You'd have to be careful but it may work.

JB3 · #6 07-20-2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky

I don't put much weight in home inspections. They're very topical at best and they tend to not look in detail to keep their butts out of liability suits.
Wait until you sign the paper work...all kinds of outs for them.
I'd crawl through that entire house myself from top to bottom.

The things im most interested in finding out are well water quality, septic info, and radon testing.

Im definitely of your way of thinking though, getting in there myself and pulling stuff apart as well.

There is some rot/damage to the one side, some wood shingles are coming off, so I really want to know the extent and info on things like powderpost beetles locally, which may be a problem with that corner.

Honus · #7 07-20-2012, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropnosky

...well water quality, septic info,...

I was thinking the same thing. Other issues like minor rot and a worn out roof can be fixed (usually), but if the lot doesn't perc, it doesn't perc.

barry123400 · #8 07-20-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honus

I was thinking the same thing. Other issues like minor rot and a worn out roof can be fixed (usually), but if the lot doesn't perc, it doesn't perc.

On any ground locally if it does not present at least a three percent slope. We have to install elevated systems now. Basically a mound of material with the field pipes in it.

Depending on regulations there you may be still able to do it yourself at some point if required. We used to do many things quietly in isolated areas but times have changed. Expensive to contract out as material requirements when done this way are pretty demanding and expensive here. Think forty dollars a cubic yard. Plus a pump up system.

So a good examination of an existing field should be part of a buyers inspection system. Not that it is just in working condition. Last time it was pumped out etcetra. Now if the property is a steal you have to make allowances that some stuff might have to be attended to as well by you. It does sound like hopefully the property taxes will be reasonable.

kerry · #9 07-19-2012, 09:54 PM

You might be able to keep the moss off by running a bare copper wire across the roof near the peak. The copper running down the roof when it rains often stops plant growth.

Kyle Blackmore · #10 07-20-2012, 12:41 AM

Here's a link to the structural insulated panel roof systems

Structural Insulated Roof Panels | RAYCORE Building Roof Systems SIPs

It looks like a very nice house, more inside pics please

JB3 · #11 07-20-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle Blackmore

Here's a link to the structural insulated panel roof systems

Structural Insulated Roof Panels | RAYCORE Building Roof Systems SIPs

It looks like a very nice house, more inside pics please

more awesome info! thanks!

Here are some inside pics (unfortunately my phone is not great at pics, but it give you some idea)

this is off the main space-

this is the small kitchen area, all nice cabinetry, combined with a wood countertop

One thing that first amazed me is that the original schoolhouse floor is still in good shape, hardwood board, none less than 10 inches wide!

heres another pic showing the stove area, so the hallway to the right of the stove goes down to two bedrooms, a utility closet, and a laundry room. Across from the stove on the right is the bath. Insulation is actually quite good, a single window air conditioner in the back bedroom cools down the entire space in about 45 minutes. Supposedly, a low fire in the stove will heat the entire space just as easily, but there is baseboard electric heating in all the rooms as well. I can also cook on this wood stove apparently

Chad300tdt · #12 07-20-2012, 09:34 AM

What a cool house. I love the character of older structures. Those floors are amazing.

Good luck with everything.

JB3 · #13 07-20-2012, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

You might be able to keep the moss off by running a bare copper wire across the roof near the peak. The copper running down the roof when it rains often stops plant growth.

awesome idea! I will do more research on this

Stretch · #14 07-20-2012, 02:48 PM

You realise that old house means no more time for old cars don't you?

JB3 · #15 07-24-2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

You realise that old house means no more time for old cars don't you?

naaaa

Just finishing up on a 2 year every weekend house restoration project, so id actually be spending less time on such a small house. The one I was working on is a 4 bedroom rental house, with a dreaded wire lath and plaster construction. Thats why the simplicity of this house was so attractive to me honestly. No angle grinders every time you need to open a wall