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Victorian Restoration > Episode 6: Skylight Installation, Roofing, and Painting

Installing Standing-Seam Copper Roofing

Project: Victorian Restoration, Episode 6, Part 2

Bob joins contractor Charlie Tomaszewski on the third floor of the main house to install an ODL tubular skylight to help brighten what will eventually be an office. Also, Bob takes a look at how the new triangular peak windows from Pella were installed.

Outside, a team from Harraseeket Restoration, Inc. is installing new copper gutters and roofing on the addition connecting the main house and the barn. Finally, painting gets underway on the backside of the main house.

Part 1: Skylight and Gable Window Installation
Part 2: Installing Standing-Seam Copper Roofing: Bob Fulmer (from Harraseeket Restoration, Inc.) joins Bob on the roof of the breezeway to install a double-lock standing seam copper roof. Before installing the copper, a plywood deck is applied, followed by a layer of bituthene for moisture resistance, then a resin paper slip-sheet.

The resin paper helps absorb the condensation generated on the back side of the copper panels by temperature changes. Additionally, it insulates the copper from touching asphalt-based underlayment, or bituthene, on which standing water creates a diluted form of sulphuric acid, which will degrade the copper.

The copper panels are brake-formed at the shop and brought on site ready to install. The panels are joined in a double-lock standing seam in a two-step process. First, the male edge is locked over the top of the female seam. Then, a second seamer completes the second lock, producing a one-inch high profile.

This 16-ounce standing seam copper roof should have a 75-year life expectancy, but proper application is critical. Lack of provisions for thermal expansion, such as permanently attaching the copper to the roof, will create stress in the panel and eventually cause material failure. Also fasteners should be from the copper family or electrolysis will set up.
Part 3: Installing Copper Gutters
Part 4: Exterior Prep and Painting

Located just five miles from downtown Boston, Bob's scouts discovered a Victorian-era house in a neighborhood of family homes on tree-lined streets that was past due for a full-scale renovation.

The home's new owners, a work-at-home family, have set goals to modernize the home's floor plan, update the building's mechanical and electrical systems, and add home office and work spaces for two busy professionals.

Also from Victorian Restoration

Episode 1 - Initial Tour
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Description:
This ambitious restoration project involves renovating a Victorian home, as well as a former dairy barn also on the property. In its new configuration, the barn will include two offices and an art studio. After a brief tour of the city, Bob meets with the home's new owner, Rikk Larsen, and contractor Charlie Tomaszewski, to discuss the work ahead.
Episode 3 - Moving the Entrance and Kitchen Layout
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Description:
Contractor Charlie Tomaszewski and crew are hard at work moving the front door of the main house to accommodate a new entranceway. In addition, Tomaszewski is using an air-driven palm nailer to finish up work on new support beams.<br> <br> Bob meets homeowner Julie Graham, who is working with Faith Allen from Merillat to create the new kitchen layout. Across town, Bob tours the Isaac Royall House.
Episode 4 - Electrical Systems and Wiring and Upstairs Framing
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Description:
Bob gets an update on the progress taking place at the Victorian renovation project. Rough electrical work is underway, as is the home's data and video wiring, which will form the backbone for the advanced communications, security, and entertainment systems. Workers are framing a new addition, and are also at work on the second floor, where a Kohler tub and new Pella windows are being installed.
Episode 5 - Roof Work and Lighting
Episode 7 - Barn Insulation, Video Wiring, and a New Balcony
Episode 8 - Blueboard Installation, Landscaping, and a New Garage Door
Episode 9 - Work on the Driveway and Finishing the Deck
Episode 10 - Flooring, Glass-Block Walls and Floors, and Water Filtration
Episode 11 - Landscaping Begins, Flooring Continues, and Water Heater Installed
Episode 12 - Cabinets, Countertops, and Closets
Episode 13 - Final House Tour

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