We're getting new siding. The old T-11, particularly on the south side. was falling apart.
T-11 is 1/2" plywood, with 1/4" grooves cut into it, so it doesn't look like plain plywood.
At 45 years old in the sun and rain, one really cannot complain.
Along the way, the twenty year old, 20-year roof, has also seen better days, so what the heck.
And the drain in the driveway has always been a problem, so part of the driveway is new.
OH, and while on the roof, we're not changing the solar panels, but we are getting new inverters,
and a battery to keep the freezer and refrigerator, and a few other things running when PG&E goes out.
Everything costs more these days. We can swing it, but it did put a noticeable dent in our savings.
We're okay -- not heading for the soup line -- but we probably should be a bit more frugal.
The new siding is James Hardie fiber cement board, which is supposed to be good, and fire resistant.
It'll also look much nicer than the T-11 that's being replaced.
The process is:
At this point, we're pretty close to done with the siding.
The solar panels are off the roof, and the roofers will be here shortly.
Then the solar panels go back up, with the new inverters and the house battery.
We've been told that electricity will be sold back to PG&E when prices are high,
and if we get an electric, self driving car, and we have to draw energy from PG&E,
that will happen at night, when electricity is cheaper. We'll see.
Dates are when the pictures were posted. I've slacked off taking pictures lately.
First few photos, just starting the project
May 21, second round of photos, scaffolding all up and siding is coming off
May 23, Next round of photos, Most of the siding is off
May 28, All the siding is off lots of new white insulation is in the house
May 31, Some of the new plywood is on the front and side of the house
June 03, plywood starting with the front of the house, and around.
June 25, scafolding is up. Remove old siding and put plywood on.
July 10, pictures of the new deck.
Aug 25, start with the James Hardie siding.
Sep 15, front and left siding done. Working on the back of the house.
Oct 14, Work nearly complete. House primed and ready for paint.