Hello guys I'm still here even though I haven't posted. The metal roof is still not up but I'm going to address some issues you might want to think about if you are planning on doing it yourself.

When you are ready to place your order go to the manufacturer's web site. Here you can find the instructions for installation. Read this carefully as it will tell you what pieces you need to order. There are various drip edges, some take cleats and some don't. There are various ridge caps, they need some type of cleat. There are also specialized tools like hemming and crimping tools. You will want to use fasteners recommended by the manufacturer. You'll also need to order butyl tape and a urethane sealant.

My roof will have no openings. If you do you'll need to get the appropriate pieces for vent pipes and skylights. There are also various how-to videos on youtube that are helpful.

With that said my roof is still waiting for some decent weather that matches up with some days off. This may be a project that's better off done by experienced people and there is a chance that may happen yet. At least I have all my pieces!

Hi folks, here's what has been happening the last few weeks since my last post.

The shell of the little house is still holding up well to the rain, snow, and cold of winter. No major progress to report here.

In the mean time I've been preparing for my eventual move into "the portable shit house" (as neighbor Tom affectionately describes it). Obviously the space is much smaller so I've been ridding items that haven't been used or have been kept to hold on to a little piece of the past. A quick picture taken and saved is enough for me. (with some exceptions of course) If I had to move in today most of my "stuff" would probably fit but even so there will be further reductions. One of the big reasons for this house is that I don't want to have things, I want to DO things.

Since Christmas I've been walking to work daily with the exception of three days. More recently I've been eating healthier and feeling great! Last summer I weighed in at an all time high of 210 lbs. Check out the video at the beginning of this blog, the fat guy is me. I'm down to 197 and bones are feeling better!

Since selling the Blazer last summer I've been givin a car (kudos to neighbor Tom) and was lent a car temporarily (thank you Patty, Bob, and Rose!) to keep it from deteriating from non-use. When the car is returned I may try again to "go carless" and just use the Surly and my feet. It may last a day, month, year, who knows? There's always a Subaru out there for sale.

That's it for now, have a great week!

Not much to report. The weather is not good but hey, it's winter. The roof underlayment and the plastic are holding up well. Thankfully, there hasn't been excessive wind. Just snow!

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Little house ready for Christmas!

Time to show some updates, it's been awhile so thank you for your patience. We've finished putting the plywood up on the roof and got that covered with the Titanium synthetic underlayment. This means no more tarping over the roof which is a very good thing! Gable ends are framed and ready to be covered after this wave of rainy weather. We stapled plastic up on the walls to keep them dry until the windows get cut out for the real house wrap. We also spray foamed the ridge top above the beam and under the plywood. The end cedar rafters still need to be cut and placed to make it "steel roof" ready. There are a handful of "small stuff" to get to before installing the windows and siding but it's really getting close... here are some pics...

Once again, a big thanks goes out to Billy. That's him on the right peaking over the roof top and I'm on the left. (Four pics up)

With the weekend off work I was hoping to get the roof covered but the rain held things up. We managed to get some plywood up in drizzly weather. The covers went on when the clouds turned dark and effectively ended the work. Next dry weather due Wednesday so the tarps stay on. Thanks go out to Billy once again who stayed most of the day Saturday. Also my neighbor Glenn lent me his little giant ladder and a plank that made a great work platform. Also, Beth S. P. showed up at just the right time to hold the ladder. Thanks Beth! Here's a few pics...