3-Tab or Architectural Asphalt Shingles?
Posted on | August 16, 2010 | 62 Comments
For those of you who don’t own a home this post is going to be really boring. But renovating a house is about more then decorating. I want to share the nitty gritty stuff too because it’s all a part of the process.
Something I never thought about before was the difference between 3-tab and architectural asphalt shingles. I actually never even heard the terms till last week. I was off in la la land thinking about color. 3-tab is a single asphalt sheet which looks flat; on the left above. Architectural shingles are two sheets laminated on top each other to giving the shingles more depth; on the right above. Architectural shingles are thicker and tend to last longer. Cost wise 3-tab are cheaper but they take longer to lay because roofers have to line up each of the sheets. Architectural are more expensive but go up faster. I’m leaning toward architectural shingles. I like the texture and depth it gives the roof.
I have a Historical Society meeting on Tuesday to get my shingles approved. Of course asphalt shingles are not historic but they are the most common roofing material in my town. I could have gone with cedar shingles but they are expensive and high maintenance.
The second discussion is color which because we live in the northeast in a historic district really doesn’t leave much too discuss. I could go with black, gray, or brown. Of course if you use lighter colored shingles it’s more energy efficient because the sun reflects and doesn’t cause excess warming inside the house. I’m looking at lighter gray options.
Next, we need to talk about new gutters. In the historic district we can use wood or copper gutters (gutters go across the top). Our downspouts (down the side of the house) can be painted galvanized steel or copper. I love the look of copper but every time I ask the price I hear, “expensive”. How expensive? “Expensive”. This conversation has become my favorite new thing to roll my eyes at. Just tell me how much! But I also need to be conscience of the fact that my house is on busy corner in a less desirable area of old town. We would be the only house on our street with copper gutters. Beautiful but Greg thinks it’s a bit pretentious.
We are still in the estimates stage of the roofing project. Getting references is difficult. After you get a name you have to call numerous times just to get someone to call you back. You set up a house visit, they don’t show up or they come late, or they reschedule. By Friday of last week I was pretty annoyed. What do people do that actually go to work? We are lucky enough to work from home most days but I would be pissed if I had to take the day off and then had a no show.
After hearing estimates of 12K I was even more concerned that contractors were so flippant. Really? Do you know how long it took me to save 12k and you want me to make a decision right this second? I also understand that they are running a business and their time is valuable as well. So I don’t know what the problem really is. It kinda feels like were are on a dating show; trying to find our perfect match. I want to work with people I trust. But how do you weed through muck to find the good guys? I know your out there! E-mail me I would love to work with you. Stay tuned…
p.s. don’t forgot to read the comments. So many readers gave amazing advice and tips about shingles and gutters.
3-tab and painted downspouts
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House Colors: Gray, White, Green or Black
Brick Chimney Rebuild
First Historical Society Meeting
Newest Rug Obession: Big & Coral
Posted on | August 14, 2010 | 11 Comments
Today I went to the New Hampshire Antique show in Manchester, NH and saw so many beautiful things. I met some great dealers that I am looking forward to working with once we get to the decorating phase of our project.
I can’t stop thinking about this rug I spotted. Why oh why can’t I afford a new roof and a rug at the same time? I love the colors and it’s the perfect size for my green room. I’ve heard/read corals are really rare. This rug was in mint condition. Ug! I want it. The dealer was really helpful, knowledgeable and lives in Yarmouth, Maine. Check out his store A.E. Runge Jr. Oriental Rugs here. The rug was about 8 x 10 and I believe late 1800′s? He’s asking $4,700.
If you just gasped at the price remember this is a rest of my life kinda rug. When you spend this kind of money you have to really, really, love decorating and willing to spend everyone dime you have on it. This rug was mint, big, and a rare color combo. I’m sure I could find something similar with a little wear and tear for half the price. The search continues but how awesome is it spot beautiful things even if you can’t afford them?
A.E. Runge, Jr. Oriental Rugs
108 Main Street
Yarmouth, Maine
(207) 846-9000
Related Post:
abc Rug Sale
South End Gardens: Rutland Street
Posted on | August 13, 2010 | 4 Comments
My only complaint about my house is the lack of garden space. I want a huge garden full of flowers, herbs, and vegetables—I’m talking insane big. Let’s ditch the driveway! Ok maybe not?
I was in South Boston this week and spotted community gardens all over the neighborhood. Phlox, Black Eyed Susans, Russian Sage, Echinacea, and Sunflowers were all in bloom. The garden above and below was on Rutland Street (click the link for an amazing google maps view) in the South End. The lush green escape covers a block and half. It was a totally amazing place to stumble upon in the middle of the city. Happy Weekend!
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Crazy House On Dwight Street in Boston
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A journal about new england life, decorating inspiration, and renovating a 262-year-old house in Marblehead, Massachusetts. read more...
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