Retirement-Ready: How We Revitalized a Shop/House with New Roof, Siding, and Windows
In January 2020, a customer reached out to us with plans to install a new metal roof and siding on their unique shop/house. At the time, they decided to wait on the project, uncertain about their future plans for the property. Fast forward to mid-November 2023, with retirement on the horizon, they had made a decision—they would stay in this shop/house, and it was time to make it their forever home. They came back to us, ready to move forward, not only with the roof and siding but also with window replacements and the addition of overhangs to the roof.
The transformation began by carefully removing the old, faded sage green metal roof and siding. Along with the worn exterior, the windows had to go too. As we peeled back the layers, we discovered that the walls required sheathing over the girts, which we covered with Tyvek house wrap from Moscow Building Supply for added protection. During this process, we uncovered a surprise—the insulation had been compromised by mice. We swiftly addressed the issue, installing mouse-resistant foam and new insulation before putting up the fresh 7/16” OSB sheathing.
Once the roof came off, we encountered a mix of spaced and solid decking, and noticed that the roof lacked overhangs. To improve both the aesthetics and functionality, we added 16-inch overhangs on the eaves and gables. This enhancement also allowed us to install 7/16” OSB as needed, leaving the ridge open for a vent—an essential feature for proper ventilation.
As we progressed, Moscow Building Supply sent out a salesman to measure and order Anderson Series 100 windows to match the customer’s specifications. While waiting for the windows to arrive, we moved ahead with installing the new roof. This time, we chose a Dark Brown Tuffrib profile in 29-gauge metal provided by The Roofing Barn, ensuring a durable and visually appealing finish. We also installed painted metal soffit and fascia on the new overhangs, using perforated soffit on the eaves for ventilation and solid soffit on the gables.
Once the windows arrived, we carefully installed them, followed by the new siding to complete the transformation. The customer was delighted with the final result, a home that not only looked refreshed but also performed better with improved ventilation, thanks to the airflow provided by the soffit under the eaves and the ridge vent.
This project wasn’t just about updating a building; it was about creating a comfortable, well-protected space for a customer ready to enjoy their retirement in the place they’ve chosen to call home.
