Decking and Dormers

Once the rafters were up, we were in a little bit of a race against the rain to get the roof on. You don't want your well built house to get all wet and end up with warped, moldy, rotten wood.
You may not have notice, but the roof to our cabin is very high and steep. This can make roofing a little tricky. So, we were thankful to have some help in this difficult stage. The night before Jimmy was supposed to start the decking (the wood that goes on top of the rafters and under the shingles) we got a phone message from our friends, the Moores, asking if they could come out to the next morning to help us build. When we got their message Jimmy heartily proclaimed "Thank you God!" and then quickly called them back to say "Yes, please come help!". Jimmy and Matt completed the "easy" side of the roof. That is, the side without windows in it.

 Notice the wooden blocks nailed on top of the decking. Those are to prevent the ladders from sliding and my husband from falling to his death. Speaking of which, I need to brag a little. My husband claims that he is afraid of heights. And I believe him, because although I was thrilled to go cliff jumping on our honeymoon, the only thing that finally made him very shakily jump into the water was his pride and the 7 year old little girl that went before him. And unlike me, he sure didn't want to do it again. HOWEVER, as we have been working on this house, you wouldn't suspect his fear because he has been climbing all over things in all kinds of crazy positions with heavy materials and equipment way up high without letting it slow him down a bit. When we were putting up the rafters (in a strong wind) I was definitely nervous and shaking and he was acting like it was nothing. Just goes to show what a little bit of determination can do for you.

So, a few days after the Moore's help, Jimmy's brother Ben came back and helped him finish up the dormers (windows sticking out of the roof) and the decking on that side.

Some people might say that a construction place is no place for little children. We would reply that it is a great place for them to begin learning custodial skills :o) Abigail is our ever diligent cleaner.