American Foursquare Restoration

2011-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Azek beadboard is installed and very nice to work with. Crown was also replaced. Now I'll need to add a downspout. I'd like to do copper, but may think twice when I get it priced. I'll need 20' of it. Or I may go galvanized for the downspout and possibly add a leader head so the copper wont have any galvanic reaction to the galvanized-but the leader head may be pricey also. Hmmm. I'm going to order new storm windows for this side of the house-hoping they wont cost too much.

2011-09-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

I'd finished the roof a while ago, but didn't get to taking pics of it complete-so here they are. I've peeked my head out during a strong storm and the gutter is doing great even with that little slope. The cool thing about such slight slope is that the gutter stays cleaner. The wind takes the leaves and sticks right out. Still, I'll be adding a bit more slope going forward.

2011-09-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Installing Azek beadboard and Crown. The stuff is really great-nice and thick. The only problem I'm having is installing 18' lengths by yourself gets a bit hard since it's so flexible.

The sidewall photo is new solid cedar clapboard. No finger jointed.

2011-09-24T14:26:00.001-07:00

This post has nothing to do about roofing, but I thought it was such a good site I thought I had to post it.

I was thinking about direct hot water and came across EZ Tankless. Really great site. If only all appliance manufacturers had sites like this.

The fact that you can exhaust through the wall makes it a no brainer when I have to replace my hot water heater.

They even have models for use outside that only require a hose 2 D batteries and gas from a tank that is used for a barbeque.

http://www.eztankless.com/video-photo-gallery/

2011-06-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Though the shingles for the dormer are next on my list, I've just started to remove some of the broken clapboard to replace with new. Here's a great video staring Tom Silva doing just that.

2011-05-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Going up the other side.

2011-04-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Progress. Trying to decide if I'll slate the dormer or not. I have lots of scrap slate to play with but cedar shakes just might look better.

2011-01-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

Snow guards will be added as I go. I'm using copper here, but stainless steel is a better choice since it's harder and cheaper. I just like the look of copper. Or for a bit more you can get those made of brass.

I haven't seen too much instruction on installing this type of snow guard so I've posted it here. There are videos for installing retrofit however.

When installing you must have enough of them to take the weight of the snow. Otherwise they will bend. Make sure to contact the manufacturer.

2011-01-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

PDF here for dressing up a vent pipe in copper. You can also view attached.

2010-12-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'll be starting my slate next and found some great info. in this video by Joe Jenkins. Joe is amazing, and if you need slate information I highly recommend looking at his site. If you have questions about your slate roof he offers consultations.

My next step will be adding the cant strip. Chalk a line 4.5 inches from the top of the copper sheet for the bottom of the cant strip. Chalk a line that's 1.5" more for the bottom edge of the starter slate.

Slate overlaps copper 6"

2010-12-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

Installed new copper gutter on side of house. It's 8' long flat lock soldered joints. Decided to add 4" downtube in the center as opposed to the ends. The nice thing is that it is just below the window possibly making it easier to clean out. Man it's cold out there- had to keep switching my irons.

2010-11-16T19:31:00.000-08:00

Dormer is finally done. Took down the dormer scaffold over the weekend and I'm looking forward to working on the copper gutter. Marked lines for my slate as well. Also took a pic of the next dormer to be done. I think it's TIME!

2010-11-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

The top of the valley being installed. Screw the thing in place then replace with rivets. Works great. Next time I'll just rivet then take it down so it's easier to solder the joint. You can lay it flat instead of soldering on a slope. Then install with nails on the edge.

2010-08-09T02:52:00.000-07:00

Copper valley being installed as well as hip slate.

2010-08-04T18:31:00.001-07:00

Well....Here it is so far.....

2010-06-22T03:39:00.000-07:00

Finally nailing slate on my dormer. Made this template for the corner of the hip which had me a bit confused. Used some cant strip, crazy glue and a spray bottle of water to help bond it quickly.

2010-06-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Gonna put these snow guards on the front dormer roof and these on the main roof. Stainless steel is actually better, and a wee bit cheaper, but I like the look of copper. I'm going to put them along the entire house to protect the built in gutter from getting slammed with ice/snow when it slides off.

2010-06-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Been playing with some patterns. Think I may cut the 14x20 in half and make 2 bands of fishscales. Gonna start at the front of the dormer. Do the sides of the dormer and then the built in gutter and work my way up. That's the plan anyway.

2010-02-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

With all the snow I decided to practice making my V shapes gutter. I'm gonna use flat lock seem joint and not lapped. The pictures attached show how I tried working the cant into the copper. It was recommended that I not do that since I can add the cant afterwards as a strip of copper. Just got a new slate book called (drumroll...) The Slate Book by Brian Stearns, Alan Stearns and John Meyer. It's a great book and you can buy it here. The book has a great recommendation where they use a wood cant attached to the copper with copper straps. Great idea, and I wont have to buy more copper!

2010-01-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. What to do. I have my slate. It's salvaged Buckingham and the size is 14x20. With the 3.5" headlap (not shown here) the slate is looking a bit narrow. A bit too horizontal/rectangular for my liking. I may do the dormers with a slightly different look. Maybe cut them in half and use the back side of the slate so I can make a pattern. Should have bought another sq. of slate. Still it's a beautiful slate and should last quite a long time. Same slate that's on the Smithsonian!

2009-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Want to work cant into copper at 12" from the bottom of the V. Copper runs up the roof at 17."Thinking I might lap joints instead of flat lock seam and use copper rivets. I do like Joe Jenkins idea of using screws to create the holes needed while it also holds the copper in place for the rivets.

http://www.traditionalroofing.com/TR6_solder.html

Just look at F3

Also great pics of a corner being done in copper by Sphere here:

My Fine Homebuilding Forum Link

2009-09-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Right side of house 315sq feet

Back side of house 273 sq feet

Side with dormer 300 sq feet

Front side with dormer 300 sq. feet

Safe with 13 sq. of slate??

Entire hip roof is "basically" square

Front and rear of roof is 26ft at eave

Left and right of roof is 30ft at eave

2009-09-02T06:54:00.001-07:00

Hips N' Ridges Vermont Slate Senior Slater From Skillman,
Slate Install Links

2009-08-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Stuff I'll need.

2009-08-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

Rear V pitch.

2009-08-27T03:30:00.001-07:00

Size of slates. Headlap appears to be 3"

Using a Sheet Brake - Fine Homebuilding Video

2009-08-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

Using a Sheet Brake - Fine Homebuilding Video

Posted using ShareThis

2009-08-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

2009-08-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

Was looking at this and wondering if I could do the same thing only that my built in is in a v shape.

Shame I finished the shakes on the dormers. Thinking they will have to come off when I put on the new slate roof so I can install the copper flashing

Great info for TIPS & TECHNIQUES FOR SOLDERING COPPER here!

2009-07-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

Finally ready for roof. I've had one roofer come out who says he's thinking modified bitumen might be best for this part of the roof. I'm going to do it in copper instead.

2009-06-12T04:46:00.001-07:00

Need to fix the ends of all of the sills.

2009-05-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Once I finish that soffit I'll replace the wood with this stuff for the bottom of the soffit. I like wood, except for the fact that squirrels can chew through it. Wish I used it for the crown moulding up at the top. It's wood, and it's pretty crappy. It's glued at several sections, instead of solid. Live and learn.

2009-05-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Finally rounding the corner. I have the dormers done and I just have to finish the soffit on the right side of the house. I couldn't resist ripping the aluminum siding off while I was up at it replacing the soffit. I have my work cut out for me replacing the shingles that were ripped of. The shingles curved out near the bottom with a nice crown moulding at one point. I'm going to try and replace that. Should look nice when I finish one of these days. I'm going to sand and stain and fill all nail holes on the shinles that are there now with the same stuff I used on the dormers. The stain is so thick, it feels like latex paint.

2008-04-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

I'll let the roofers replace the tin with epdm rubber. I could try and go with galvanized, but I heard good things about that rubber.

2008-04-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Tiiiin roof rusted! Can anyone tell me what kind of gutter this is exactly? I've been told it's a yankee gutter a french gutter a box gutter ( I dont' think so ) or should I just call it a built in gutter? I'd like to try and fix the soffit as best I can so that a roofer can line them with EPDM rubber roofing. I want to fix the pitch by replacing the supports underneath which are all rotted and cause the foof to lay flat instead of a v shaped pattern. If anyone knows of something better than the rubber roofing please let me know.

2008-03-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

I got $80.00 for the aluminum siding on the back of the house which I used to buy more metal. This time round downspouts. Luckily they sell these at Home Depot. I'm going to try and use this copper paint on them. If anyone has used this stuff please let me know. To add the downspouts I'll need to add this 3" Round Aluminum Downspout Tube -High Gloss White. Then I'll need about 14 of these 3" Round Copper Downpipe Brackets. Copper really adds up.

2008-03-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

The shingles are exposed, and they look to be in great shape for some reason. I'm going to try and salvage the shingles that are on there instead of replacing them with new ones, which is what most people have told me I should do. Guess I'll have to see how it turns out. I'll have to replace some of the shingles obviously around the bathroom window where the plywood is. I've also decided to build a platform to work on. Standing on a sloped roof while working on that soffit just doesn't work for me.

2008-03-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Horrible Aluminum siding on the Soffit is being removed. I'm going to need a new roof. I thought it would be best to fix the rotting soffit and replace some of the rotted wood holding it up. Also a good time to add some downspouts. This house only has 3 and it's definitely not enough. I'm going to use a gravelstop dripedge.

2008-03-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Before & After! I just took the siding off the top and the shakes don't look half bad. The soffit is a whole other story-quite a bit of rot.

2006-04-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well....I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We just submitted an outline for the new front porch and the rear addition. We decided to make it just a little bit bigger than what we first wanted. Unfortunately, I think we will need a variance for the front and the back since my neighbors property line is only 3 ft. away. The top pic. shows how the house once looked. The bottom shows how we would like it to look now. We opted for an open porch. We plan on closing in the deck on the back, and just putting up screen. I guess we'll see what the future holds.

2005-12-03T04:58:00.000-08:00

Here is our original front door back in it's original place. I think it turned out great. It took a whole lot of cleaning and a new coat of shellac. Unfortunately, most of the woodwork in the house has satin poly on it. That's why the door looks shiny in this pic. Whithout the camera flash, it's hard to really tell the difference. I have to trim the bootom of the door so that it shuts properly again. Question is, should I replace the existing metal threshold with a new wood one? What should I install on the bottom of my door to keep out the drafts? I was thinking about spring bronze like I used on the windows, but I was wondering if there is a better method or product. BTW-someday this will again be a front door. We plan to replace the front porch that used to exist where the closet is shown on the othere side of the door. We end up losing the closet, but I think we will benefit more with a front porch.

2005-12-03T04:43:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for this doorknob. I've seen it on e-bay a couple of times, but I haven't been able to find it in good condition. Most of the oringinal doorknobs were replaced with ugly brass ones. I'm not sure why. The oringinals are beautiful and function very well. If any of you come across this doorknob, I would be eternally greatful if you let me know!

2005-10-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

So the squirrel adventures continue. Saturday night we awoke to a weird chirping noise that we attributed to the radiators (finally broke down and turned on the heat). An hour or so later we were up again roused scampering sounds that we swore were coming from under the bed. On went the lights, but nothing to be seen--went back to bed thinking that now we have squirrels living in the walls. Sunday morning I take the kids to soccer and my wife discovers a baby squirrel hiding in the front hall closet; we found its brother (sister?) peeking out from behind a backpack about an hour later. Both are in the capable hands of our local (well not really so local--took an hour to get there) wildlife rehab center who will no doubt release them to go live in someone else's attic.

So having no time to work on any new projects this weekend (too busy cleaning up squirrel sh**) I thought I'd post a few pics of what has been done:

2005-10-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

GOT EM'. Well, 2 months later and practically a whole jar of peanut butter later I finally caught that squirrel. I borrowed another trap that seemed to have a better tripping mechanism. I put the peanut butter on the top and bottom of the tray that sets off the trap. I have to say, even thought I hated this squirrel for chewing away at my house I did feel bad for it. I put a blanket over the cage and set it free in the woods about 5 miles away. Some people say 6 miles is best, but he would have to cross an overpass to get to Highland Park. He seemed pretty mad at me. Lots of growling. Good luck Chippy! ...........................Yeh, I named him Chippy so what!

2005-10-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

If you already have not done so, you have to check out the Sears Home Archive. So many of the homes listed are here in Highland Park. The one that looks closest to mine is The Fullerton. Although everything isn't quite the same, but close enough. This front porch looks like it might look nice on my home. What do you think?

2005-10-14T04:03:00.000-07:00

Oooo so nice- All was going fine until I saw the hacked off ends of the sill. Could you imagine putting up this crappy aluminum siding and cutting off a perfectly good sill? B.T.W the squirrel is still winning and probably quite fat and happy with all of the food I have been giving him in the trap. Tonight I will try a new one. The trap mechanism seems to work better. If this doesn't work I'll call the pros.

2005-10-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Saying "I hate squirrels" would be mean, so I'll just say I dislike them greatly. Trapping the squirrel in my attic has been quite difficult. It's been there for at least two months now. I know when she sees me she thinks "Here comes that nice man that feeds me the peanut butter!" I read that it is against the law to release the squirrel in a park. Why would you release it in your own yard? I plan to release it accross the river. That is if I ever get the thing.

2005-09-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

While going through all the useless files on my computer I came accross these pics from Aladdin. The colors on the chart are still so nice for today. We painted our entrance close to the color green shown here. Our staircase is very similar, except that this house appears a bit larger.

2005-09-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever pondered-" Gee with all of this extra time I have, I sure wish I had plans to re-create the wood storm windows that I once had on my house." Well wait no more!

2005-09-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to think about those old, cold, drafty windows. If you have windows that are in need of a little weatherproofing , you may want to think about V-Bronze.
I'ts also known as spring bronze. The pic to the left describes how it is done. It's not hard to do. A little boring maybe, but not hard. I recommend a nice vodka martini while working. Just don't hit your thumb with the hammer.

2005-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Step 2

2005-09-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Step 3

2005-09-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

Even though the siding isn't ripped off and the new front porch put on and all the windows fixed, it doesn't mean we can't start thinking about color. I saw this house in Princeton last year and I like it for now. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to change my mind. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the color choice for the front porch. Gotta love those copper downspouts. Something similar here.

2005-09-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice. With all of those damn acorns falling I'd love to have a roof over my car. Did you know that acorns can put lots of small dents all over your car? I think the squirrels are hurling them downward to gain more speed. I threw this carport on in Photoshop to see if I like it. I do, but sadly it's too close to the neighbors property line.

2005-08-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

My wife and I purchased this 1910 foursquare because we knew there was something great hiding under its wicked '60s remodel and lovely aluminum siding; six months later we found a photo to prove it. The top shot of the house was taken in 1930, apparently there was a traveling photographer who took shots of the houses in town, then sold postcards made from the pictures to the homeowners.

An Excerpt from the Highland Park Historical Society website:

600 Highland Park House Photos

In 1933, James Lloyd Grimstead traveled the streets of Highland Park snapping photographs of people's houses and then selling printed photo postcards to the occupants. The Metuchen-Edison Historical Society has the negatives of over 600 Highland Park houses. If you would like a reprint, please first look at the list of streets (below) to see if your street was photographed at all. Grimstead did not photograph every house in Highland Park nor every house on the streets he was on.

The streets Grimstead photographed are: Abbott St., South Adelaide Ave., Benner St., Cleveland Ave., Cliff Court, Donaldson St., Graham St., Grant Ave., Harrison Ave., Hill St., Lawrence Ave., Lincoln Ave., Magnolia St., North Second Ave., North Third Ave., North Fourth Ave., North Fifth Ave., North Sixth Ave., North Seventh Ave., North Eighth Ave., South First Ave., South Second Ave., South Third Ave., and Wayne Street.

If your street is listed, please call Marie Vajo at (732) 985-3217 or e-mail her at MarBil61@webtv.net to find out if your house was photographed. She handles the orders for black and white photographic reprints.

Now on to the "after" photo. The slate roof is still pretty much intact, but the previous owners ripped off the glassed in front porch and replaced it with concrete steps and a coat closet. Our plan is to replace the porch, tear off the siding and restore the clapboard and shakes underneath. And since we don't think the steps are going to make it through the next winter--the porch will probably happen sooner than we originally planned.