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Not too long ago I was going to install a powered roof vent for my attic. I went up on the roof and discovered the pitch is considerably more steep than any roof I've ever been on. Since I needed to cut a hole in the roof and there is nothing to hang onto, I just paid some roofing guys (already working in the neighborhood) $50 to install. I then vowed never to get on that roof again.
Fast forward to Hurricane Ivan…
Ivan blows through with 55MPH gusts and I figured this would be a good test to make sure the new vent, now installed for about two months, is not leaking. Before I can get to that part of the attic, I see water dripping from the ridge vents and the exhaust for my natural gas water heater is dripping badly. The good news is the powered vent was dry, the bad news is I had to place a bucket under the water heater vent.
So, on Sunday I went and got some roofing tar (tube) and thought I'd get on the roof to fix whatever was wrong. I figured, I've been on a half dozen roofs and I can't be afraid to get on my own. Bad idea.
Aside from the shingles being hot enough to actually burn my forearm, the same pitch problem that scared me before was worse this time. It was worse because before I even left the ladder I was slipping on the little "rocks" in the shingles. I couldn't get any traction. I had to sprawl out and increase the surface area to even move up the roof. Despite that, I kept going as gravity literally pulled me down.
I made it up, did what I had to do and then looked down. I was grabbing onto the ridge vents to keep me from sliding down. As soon as I let go, I just started sliding.
I moved down in two inch increments sprawled on my back to keep me from sliding. Terrified the whole time; concrete driveway below.
I made it down with a scalded forearm and a near heart attack. So, I say it again. I'll never go on that roof. I'll pay whatever it takes to have someone else go up there.
All of that and the leaks were only a result of the sideways wind and rain. Under normal raining conditions, none of it would have leaked.
Fast forward to Hurricane Ivan…
Ivan blows through with 55MPH gusts and I figured this would be a good test to make sure the new vent, now installed for about two months, is not leaking. Before I can get to that part of the attic, I see water dripping from the ridge vents and the exhaust for my natural gas water heater is dripping badly. The good news is the powered vent was dry, the bad news is I had to place a bucket under the water heater vent.
So, on Sunday I went and got some roofing tar (tube) and thought I'd get on the roof to fix whatever was wrong. I figured, I've been on a half dozen roofs and I can't be afraid to get on my own. Bad idea.
Aside from the shingles being hot enough to actually burn my forearm, the same pitch problem that scared me before was worse this time. It was worse because before I even left the ladder I was slipping on the little "rocks" in the shingles. I couldn't get any traction. I had to sprawl out and increase the surface area to even move up the roof. Despite that, I kept going as gravity literally pulled me down.
I made it up, did what I had to do and then looked down. I was grabbing onto the ridge vents to keep me from sliding down. As soon as I let go, I just started sliding.
I moved down in two inch increments sprawled on my back to keep me from sliding. Terrified the whole time; concrete driveway below. I made it down with a scalded forearm and a near heart attack. So, I say it again. I'll never go on that roof. I'll pay whatever it takes to have someone else go up there.
All of that and the leaks were only a result of the sideways wind and rain. Under normal raining conditions, none of it would have leaked.
