Trying to deal with all things relating to rain and snow melt. House was originally built in 1870 with a field stone foundation. Some of the sections appeared to have had some type of mortar added back in (assuming it's not original). Other sections appear to be needing something to prevent cold air and moisture from coming in.
I would estimate about 75% to be in pretty good shape, and 25% of the stone needs attention. I'm wondering what is the easiest way to get them sealed up. I have read that there are different types or mortar that can be used but I don't know how to figure out which is best. I have also seen some basements in the area where someone went after the gaps with Great stuff or something similar, not sure if that would be easier/quicker/acceptable?
I also have plans to add some dirt (probably top soil, unless there is a better option) around the back side of the house to improve the grade. After getting a better slope away from the house (I'm thinking for about 5 feet, but not sure if it should be longer or shorter), covering that area in plastic then some type of stone/gravel to keep water away from the foundation. The sides and front of the house slope away (front has covered porch to further help) already, but the back roofs slope together. I was considering gutters for the back side of the house, but I'm concerned that the downspout would end up draining onto the driveway causing major ice issues in the winter.
In the picture (not the best angle) I wanted to do the slope away from the house near the blue bulkhead door.
Any thoughts on mortar mix vs. great stuff vs. other for filling in between the stones to prevent drafts.
Does ~5' feet of sloping dirt, covered by plastic then by gravel seem sufficient to move water away from the foundation?
As soon as weather permits and I can get some help, I will be adding bathroom roof vent. Bought an Imperial Premium 4" from Lowes.
[img]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/800x800/i_900ad3ed46fd867cb36de1a2c9948bfc_w_800h_800f_1c_ffffffo_q_80_02e651c1a4eb9ae12633d55295a34e5695902d41.jpg[/img]
Although I'm confident about installing the unit, thought I would solicit any possible hints from others.
One thing struck me in the instructions. They state not to add any roof cement to the down side or lowest side of flange of the shingles. Seems odd not to.
In this particular install the fan is located directly below the roof location for the vent and will only be at most 2 feet up. Any reason I can't use hard vent pipe instead of flexible duct? I'll use a flex elbow on either end to align the duct.
EDIT...What type of screws would you recommend.
Hello again,
I'm hoping to get some input about replacing some shingles. We closed on a 3 unit apartment which was converted from a single family home 30+ years ago in December. (Original house from 1870). There were some known roof issues that were disclosed during the purchase process (mainly reported to be coming in through the area near the bathroom fan in one of the units). I got the bathroom van properly vented through the side of the house (instead of 'near' the gable vent) and the tenant then advised there was no more leaking, so I'm wondering if the original leak was related to condensation in the fan vent pipe?) In the recent rains the tenant has reported some leaking in a closet near the center of the ridge line showing through the plaster ceiling.
I was in the attic before/after closing an added blown in insulation. I didn't see anything that looked like clear signs of leaking.
I haven't done much with the roof since we just had the snow melt. I was up recently and inspected the vent boot near the bathroom fan in question. It didn't have any obvious issues but I put some roofing caulk around it and the flashing. While I was up there I took some pictures. The biggest issue on the roof seems to be the ridge cap which looks to need to be replaced.
During the home inspection the inspector seemed to think there would be 5-10 years left in most of the roof. We replaced two boilers this winter so I would like to put off replacing the whole roof for a few years if possible. When we replaced the boilers we replaced them with direct vent in the hopes of removing the chimney before replacing the roof.
I'm wondering what your thought are. If it seems worthwhile to just replace the shingles on the ridge cap (which I feel fine doing) should I plan on ripping them off, or knowing the roof will likely be replaced in <5 years should I just go over top of the ridge with another row?
[img]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/file_009_3538f1ba99de2379af094e046df9a74107f5adcf.jpeg[/img]
[i]Vent boot referenced in post in on lower left side of main roof. [/i]
[img]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1887_a072ee508bde009f80084155724b21fb32b51e29.jpg[/img]
[i]Same ridgeline as pictured in the house exterior picture. Tenant is reporting new leak in closet under this. [/i]
[img]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1880_d0451ec71e5357dcd526b91f3142bc6abc27b57b.jpg[/img]
[i]The ridgeline going from the chimney to the road (can't really see much of it from the picture of the house). [/i]
04-25-21, 09:22 AM
