As we have quite a lot of roof, we focused on the part that needed the most attention - the bit over the spare bedroom that actually leaks in heavy weather. It so happens that this section of roof has also become a home to what seems to be a rather large colony of rather fearless pigeons. Pigeons which strangely also appear to enjoy tap dancing.
We started (well, actually he started) monday last week - the end of November. The first part of the process went swimmingly. Jose and his assistant removed the old 'tegole' (terra cotta roof tiles) one by one, exposing a further layer of handmade smooth 'cotto' tiles beneath. This was the basic weatherproofing. The piles of the two types of tiles are shown in the first picture. We have one which is marked 22 Marzo '33 (March 1933), which means this is the 'new' roof put on when what is now our kitchen was previously converted from an animal stall and hayloft nearly 75 years ago.
Once these were removed, the superstructure of the roof is exposed. This is basically a lattice of larger and smaller wooden pieces between 2x2 inch and 4x6 inch in thickness.
Apparently, this lattice is largely held together by dancing pigeon excrement.
In the next picture you can see the tremendous beams that run lengthwise down the house and
basically keep everything from falling down, domino style I imagine. I say this as a naive and dangerously inexpert house restoring type. At this juncture, I would like to point out the beautiful clear, blue skies. Perfect roofing weather.So, you can imagine our joyful surprise when we awoke the following morning to find....
So, needless to say we took immediate action:
to be continued...
2 comments:
Great story! Nice job building the suspense, setting the stage with photos. For a second there I was worried a later photo was going to show something more catastrophic happening to the house. I do think you took the appropriate action ... however ... instant coffee?! I know, more common in other countries, but seriously. Just let me know if you need an emergency shipment of quality beans from a local Portland roastery. There are plenty.
Thank J, actually we do have a nice 'Francis Francis' Espresso machine with some great coffee, but believe it or not the Irish Nescafe has it's own uniqe charms ;-)
In fact, funny story, we were at a central Milan restaurant for Sunday brunch and they actually have a 'Nescafe girl' who comes around table to table with the good stuff (kinda like a breakfast equivalent to the tequila girls...). So, don't knock it 'till you try it!
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