Thanksgiving Vacation 2009
I also got my truck to a mechanic. He found the reason for the slow fuel line. He also replaced hoses that can withstand biodiesel. And I bought some biodiesel.
I don't know if all this bio-stuff is just bio-bullshit. :confused2: But I want to push in that direction. We don't need an army to get the stuff, anyways. Whatever. Truck works now.
Oregon, Sunday, 22 November 2009
Back at Biggs Junction, heading east. See? No trail of diesel fuel. Well, take my word for it.
Idaho, Monday, 23 November 2009
Rathdrum Prairie, Rathdrum Bald Mountain
I have to shovel and sweep the snow off the roof.
This hole was covered with plywood and a tarp. But there were more soft spots that the plywood didn't cover. Last winter there was a lot of snow. My cousin had to shovel off the roof to avoid a total collapse. Dangerous. My goal was to finally fix the roof so that wouldn't be necessary. A metal roof should shed the snow. The N Deck should support more load, too.
I was able to burn a pile of junk wood that I seem to never get the chance to do in summer.
Idaho, Tuesday, 23 November 2009
Next day, more snow.
I worked till late at night every day. Most of the time was spent cutting and installing the 2x's and puncing holes in the N Deck. I have a hand punch that would go through the galvanized without too much effort. But to get through the same thickness of stainless steel, I had to extend the handles with "cheater bars" and squeeze really hard to BANG! punch the holes.
Idaho, Wednesday, 24 November 2009
Thanks to help from two uncles, I got it done Wednesday, just in time to get back for Thanksgiving with family. Three-sevenths of the roof is stainless N-Deck. Four-sevenths is galvanized N-Deck. I got the bolts fairly accurately placed, which was pretty important to getting the roofing to fit on.
I didn't quite finish with all the trim. I didn't have time to weld on all the tabs, so it's not as strong as it could be. But the main work is done and it's ready for winter.
Here's my list of advantages and disadvantages for this style of roofing.
N-Deck + Bolts
Advantages
Strong
Safe to walk on (lots of bolts to prevent slipping off. Ribs to hold onto. This turned out well.)
Many bolts on which things can be installed, without damaging the roof: solar panels, wind generators, antennas.
Relatively fewer points to seal (the bolt holes) Shouldn't leak -- we'll see.
Disadvantages
cost
more difficult to seal roof penetrations
difficult to deal with a complicated roof shape
Stainless Steel
Advantages
Weather resistance
Wear resistance
Collects rain water with minimal contamination
Maintains value (I expect this material to always be an asset to whoever owns it)
Disadvantages
cost
difficulty to work with (tough material!)
higher potential for theft
So, there you go. I know this is something only the rich can afford. But, long term (200+ years? :confused2: ) I actually think stainless comes out cheaper. I won't be around to find out
. But in the meantime, I expect it to never be a problem and always an asset. I think there's a huge advantage in having something you don't have to worry about. If only I could avoid being a problem in other areas.
END