|
March was one
of the rainiest on record: 35" of rain. Even the locals were complaining
about it. The normal amount of rainfall for that month is around 17",
so there were
precious
few
days
when
they could work on finishing the roof. But finally toward the end of
the month they
were able to begin. Note another local building technique. Instead
of tar paper over plywood over roof trusses, they use 2x4 purlins over
the trusses and fasten the roofing tin directly to that. It makes for
a well-ventilated roof, which is very important in such a humid environment. |
 |
Colored roofing tin is the
material of choice for roofs in this area. Asphalt shingles go moldy
and rot in five years. The roofing tin is covered with a very durable
food-grade enamel, and with proper care it can last for decades. Why
food-grade? Because many, many houses use "catchment water", where
they collect
the rainwater in a large, above ground tank. This is a good system
for high rainfall areas, but of course you want to make sure your roof
doesn't contaminate your water. Hence, the use of food-grade enamel.
You can get a roof in almost any color you want, including some rather
gaudy ones. Our neighborhood rules discourage that, however, so we
chose a sedate blue-grey. We will also have city water, so we don't
plan on eating off the roof anytime soon. |
 |
The overhang of most roofs
is very pronounced: it's nice to have a small path right up against
a house where you can walk out of the rain. Also, the overhang serves
as a
kind of
permanent awning, keeping the sun off the windows during the hottest
part of the day. |
 |
The roof is 95% done in this
photo. The higher, sloped living room ceiling is in place now (to the
right of the garage door), and all that is left to do now is to put
in a bit of flashing and the ridge caps, finish off the bedroom lanai
(above the garage), then install the rest of the siding. After that,
the exterior crew will
have done
their
job.
When the roof is finally in place, the interior crew will be able to
work, no matter what the weather is doing. It's also an excuse to have
a "topping off" party, where you invite friends over to your half-finished
house and celebrate this milestone. |