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Over the years we've had multiple problems with our 1991 slate concrete roof. Cracks, slipping tile, moss growing on them and leaks. Not surprisingly we were told the builder's job was sub-par.
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During July we contracted with a roofing company and had several different tiles delivered to us. We wanted to stay with brown concrete, but chose a Spanish style instead of slate. This is Eagle brand, Malibu style, Arcadia Canyon Brown.
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Finally our turn came and the first thing that happened, VERY early on August 20th was the dumpster backing into our driveway. Nice of them to use the drop cloth under that old truck!
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The guys started tearing off the old roof right away, and this went on all day. It was crazy loud! They dropped all the tiles down from the roof, and of course they all broke on impact.
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During the course of the week, there were anywhere from four to six guys working. They got the roof torn down to the plywood on the first day.
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Day 2. Once the roof was cleared of old tiles and debris, a crane brought up the roof tar paper, insulation, and battens which are wood/plastic strips that the tiles are nailed into.
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This is how the roof looked after the tiles were removed. Just plywood. We don't get rain in the summer here, so we didn't have to worry about that.
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This is Low-E Radiant Barrier insulation we opted to have placed over the double roof paper. The purpose is to keep the heat from reaching the attic in the first place, thus keeping the upstairs cooler. Fingers crossed that it works!
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Here is a photo of the double layer of paper and the Low-E barrier on the south side of the house. This is the side we had to have all the stucco replaced recently.
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Double paper first, then battens, then the shiny reflective insulation is cut and attached between the battens. I've learned so much....more than I wanted to, really. Ha!
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Along with the new roof we also got new, wider gutters and new downspouts. Both are galvanized steel with enamel paint. I chose the color of gutters as close as I could to the existing trim, and the downspouts are white like before.
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This is a sample of LeafBlaster gutter guards we chose to have on all the gutters. We have messy trees!
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Before, our downspouts had right angles going over the decorative bump-outs in the front of the house and they would clog with leaves. With our permission, one of the guys cut into the bump-outs so that the downspouts can be straight. Too cool!
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Here is another place, on the corner, showing how he cut into the bump-out. Basically these bump-out are Styrofoam covered in stucco. I found this out years ago and about flipped out. Styrofoam, REALLY?!
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At the end of day 2 the house was ready to install the new tiles. These guys worked hard and fast!
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On day 3 a large truck came with all our new concrete roof tiles. The driver had to wait across the street for the forklift to come.
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The forklift arrived and we were amazed at how well this guy could drive it. He spun that huge thing around and backed up fast...and SO close to my car parked across the street!
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The forklift took each pallet of tiles from the delivery truck and stacked them in the street beside the driveway. He then backed the forklift into the driveway.
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Each pallet of tiles was lifted to the roof and held in suspension as the roofers took the tiles off and placed them in smaller stacks on the roof. A pallet of concrete tiles is too heavy to sit on the roof! This procedure took 1/2 day.
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On day 4 and 5, the guys put up the new roof, cleaned up, and the next Monday the inspector came for his second visit and signed off. The tree trimmers are scheduled and I'll take a better front pic then.
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This was right after the roofers were done and had left. The driveway was still wet from them cleaning up. We found a few nails, but not bad!
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We love the Spanish look of these tiles and I'm pleasantly surprised the gutter color isn't too far off from the trim color. It's a little more yellow than the trim but the closest they had and we can paint them later.
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Front/side view. The curved edge pieces look smoother and nicer than the previous squared edges.
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This is the side patio on the south side. The roof showing here was a section that had leaked and been patched with a different color tile, and now it finally looks right!
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Under the eave that goes over the back patio cover, there was dirt and some wood rot that could be seen through the skylights. The roofers repaired all that and it looks much better!
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The roof shown here is the north side and is over the garage. There are several valleys on our roof and I imagine not easy to get all the tiles to fit properly. They had to cut and grind a lot of tiles. Mom made the birdhouse. :)
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The left side is the back side, and there were several new and improved vents added. We are hoping those along with the Low-E Radiant Barrier product will help the upstairs temp in the summers.
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Obviously this pic was taken by one of the roofers, as we are not about to go up there. It looks very much like Spanish clay tile and we love the look. So glad it's done and I can once again enjoy the rain!