Is it true? Is it possible? Do my eyes deceive me?

After what feels like 295 years, the second-floor shingling in the SE corner is done. At least what can reached by the scaffolding tower (the tower has to move to finish the portion to the left).

 

The first image is a bit deceiving, as the new shingles drop down a whole other level. The overall height is 12-feet.

 

I am beyond sick of this corner! I have never felt this way about any other aspect of the project to date.

What began as a simple project (infill some missing shingles) ballooned into a total redo: framing, sheathing, cornice repair, two window frames rebuilt, and only then the tedious work of custom-cutting every single friggin’ shingle. ARGH! In short, the whole SE corner is almost entirely brand new.

 

After some painting and small detailing, the other cornice will get painted. Then, then I can at last move the scaffolding tower out of the damn SE corner!

 

 

 

 

 

11 Comments

  1. Anthony Bianchini on June 8, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    Here’s to hoping it’ll last at LEAST another 125 years! What a joy to behold your work!

  2. Architectural Observer on June 8, 2019 at 9:57 pm

    Very impressive work, Ross! I’m happy you’ll be able to move the scaffolding soon and move on to a new spot. Time will help to erase the agony of time spent in that corner, and the finished product will make it so worthwhile!

  3. Sandra Lee on June 8, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    Zounds! This work is just amazing!

    Beyond masterful!

    You have gone beyond reinventing the wheel!

    I am so happy you are to the point of moving the scaffolding. The SE corner seems so labor intensive– seems much more than any other area in the house!

    You must have such pride in this amazing accomplishment! Small area but large in the right workmanship you have accomplished!

    Awesome!

    • Ross on June 8, 2019 at 10:55 pm

      Thank you, Sandra!

  4. Patsy on June 8, 2019 at 10:39 pm

    Wow my mother always told me if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing it right and you’ve certainly done that.How are the shingles above the cornice?Would you consider painting a few rows while you have the scaffolding up .

  5. Dawn Rocco on June 9, 2019 at 2:33 am

    And a Amen!

  6. Cindy Belanger on June 9, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    Great job Ross, the unexpected problems seem daunting at first, but you nailed it (get it, oh sorry) It looks wonderful, you must feel a great sense of accomplishment, it is so worth it.

  7. Christine on June 10, 2019 at 6:54 am

    Good for you, Ross. You must be relieved.

    I wonder if you’re planning on replacing the “quarter round” at the top of the shingles as the finishing touch? (I know that’s not what that thin strip is called, but I don’t know the proper name.) I noticed that you (of course) removed it when you started working on this side. I think the other sides of the house have it and it makes the top of the shingles just look even more polished.

    I endeavored to go back to the first posts you did on the other wall in this corner to see if that also had the strip of decorative finishing too, but I never made it back to those October posts. – I got too distracted by all the other very cool progress you’ve made!

    Well done, Ross. You’re making things right in the world.

  8. Derek Walvoord on June 10, 2019 at 9:11 am

    Big glass of wine after that!

  9. Nancy from Georgia on June 10, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    Nobody keeps Ross in the corner!

  10. Chris Mann on June 12, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    Ross, I have been following you and your progress since inception- the Cross House choosing you. I see each step you make as a tiny victory, and each one of these small, albeit back-breaking steps, so worth it in the end! You are amazing and doing an incredible job! You knew going it that it was not going to be a feat for the weary, and you are so diligent about making her right- if anything, your OCD is the bane of your existence! But, remember- a pig is simply a pig when one slaps lipstick on it- and indeed, you are NOT the type of person who would half-ass anything! The Cross House is a living and breathing soul, and is thanking you for bringing her back to her glory. At the end of the day, you will never get back the blood, sweat, tears, nor the equity you put into her financially (I say this as one who has restored a few boats, and a house, which I know you know all too well), but will make a fine home (because the Cross House IS worth doing everything right!), and make the community a better place. So thank you for being AMAZING, patient, and kind with this home, and doing what is right by the house! Hang in there- every step leads to progress, even if you think it is something insignificant! Because tiny victories are what get us there! (Plus, think of all the money you are saving by not joining a gym!)

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