Our roof needs some MAJOR repairs. During our numerous viewings of the house, we noted that several rafters in the loft were cracked or broken. There was also a deteriorating chimney, unsealed windows, and a large amount of animal droppings that made us weary. So we knew this when we bought the Pillar House, and we have finally gotten to the point where we are able to complete Phase 1 of the Roof Repair project.
Last year, Grant and a friend did what they could to hold off repairs on the roof until 2022. Our focus was on the foundation of the house, though we grimaced every time a strong wind blew from the Northeast and threatened our dormer. After buying the Pillar House, we immediately placed jacks in the loft to support the rafters. We realized that the wood used to construct the roof were 2×4’s rathan than 2×6’s, which are to-code. We also had the unfortunate discovery that the animal droppings had come from a colony of over 200 bats living in the attic. Thankfully, Grant was able to evacuate the critters in late-2021, but it was an eventful summer listening to them chatter away each night.
With all those issues, Phase 1 became a heftier project than first expected. We would not need a new roof, but a completely reconstructed one! So we decided to find a local contractor to do the job as it was simply too big of a project for us to handle. The roofing crew had to remove the roof, rafters and all, reconstruct the framing, and then re-shingle. This meant the dormer and chimney would be removed as well – thankfully!
Our long-term plan is to reside the house white because it is a Greek Revival Farmhouse. White is the traditional exterior color as it is meant to be reminiscent of marble. We chose a pewter roof moving forward. Due to material costs, we will complete Phase 2 (the main floor and garage roof) in early-2023. So for the time being we are two-toned. But ohmigoodness… how awesome does that pewter look?!
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