As a commercial property manager I can assure you flat roofs are a headache. Snow sits up there and as it melts the water will find any micro seam opening to leak in. You'd be better off with a gabled roof, which wouldn't look as modern as hipped roof, and you'll have an attic for storage. Just my opinion...

@Timmakesmusic

3 ай бұрын

Was just going to comment the same thing! Unless you live somewhere extremely dry, flat roofs are a definite no-no. If you get snow, ever more reason to avoid them. There's a very good reason why they were almost never used outside of certain areas of the Middle East and Africa until the architectural madness of the modern era. I live in a Victorian property that's been converted to flats. They replaced part of the original pitched roof with a flat one so they could fit more flats in the attic space. It's the only part of the roof that leaks and is a maintenance nightmare. The rest of the original building fabric is still going strong 150 years later.

@darroniverson

3 ай бұрын

Absolutely! Flat roofs do not belong in a climate that ever has snow. Never ever.

@justinanovak8040

3 ай бұрын

Agreed!

@robyncooperramsey8323

3 ай бұрын

Flat roofs are common in old St Louis, because they were cheaper, but they are ugly.

@timhazeltine3256

3 ай бұрын

I wonder if the garages paneled bay doors started life as pocket doors?

As the daughter of a roofer I have only heard that a flat roof, especially in a place that gets snow, is a huge headache.

@darroniverson

3 ай бұрын

It will never, not be a headache. The reason is the freeze/thaw cycle. Snow does not slide off flat surfaces. Only when it melts. When it begins to melt, the surface that it is on, usually does not become dry. So now there is moisture sitting in some cracks that now get to freeze. This happens every day that there is moisture. Ice is very powerful. Any Crack, no matter how thin , now becomes wider. Eventually that Crack breaks through and you now have a leak.

I hope you don't mind me sharing but I just wanted to say that watching you slowly work on this house over the last several years has not only been entertaining and educational, but it's also done a lot for my mental health. Due to depression, I often end up letting chores build up until they seem like such an overwhelming task. It used to feel pointless to me to do a tiny bit of a big project, and if I started something and couldn't finish it, I would get so down on myself. But watching you chip away at your tasks bit by bit made me rethink how I approached things. When I have 2 minutes, I'll wipe something down or pick something up and it's just made such a world of difference not just for the cleanliness of my house but for my own self confidence. I can't thank you enough..

@SuperDrLisa

3 ай бұрын

Totally understand. I have 3 loads of laundry in baskets in the living room. Chipping away while watching videos like this.

@julieduchek2969

3 ай бұрын

I agree and understand what you are talking about.

@pdq5465

3 ай бұрын

It’s so nice that watching these videos helps to motivate you & makes you feel better. Whatever helps.

@deborahbryant3266

3 ай бұрын

I get it. Thank you for sharing ❤

No no flat roof It will cause you more problems after the first five years than you’ve ever seen in your life do the 12 one pitch you’ll be much happier and a lot less problems.

@carlotta4th

3 ай бұрын

Flat is just asking for water/snow trouble. You can still have it "look" mostly flat with enough pitch to move the water along.

@ritatharp5238

3 ай бұрын

Yes, I had a flat roof house "once upon a time" and it was a really bad idea.

@26beegee

3 ай бұрын

Agreed. Ask anyone who has ever owned a Frank Lloyd Wight home with a flat roof. The question is not, “Does it leak?” It is, “How much does it leak?” Even the smallest pitch is a huge improvement for avoiding water problems down the road.

@TinnaN2TheAfterlife

2 ай бұрын

I do agree with this. My grandparents put a flat roof on their home and it did last a long time. 25yrs. That being said, when it started leaking, it was bad. Really bad. So I do agree with some pitch on ur roof to prevent the water leaks and to repel snow. Love ur home, and can't wait for the finished reveal Bless u and ur family and Your channel is awesome 👍🏼

A flat roof anywhere is a disaster, water just sits on top and long term just rots ❤

@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack

3 ай бұрын

flats roofs are never really flat. there is an angle to them so that water sheds.

@jonathanleonard1152

3 ай бұрын

@@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack - 1:12 pitch is commonly called flat, yet it is not. There are actually very few flat roofs as that is bad. Having good drainage, preferrably to storm sewer, can make a 1:12 pitch work well.

No flat roofs! They are the worst. Looking forward to all the things you would like to do.

I am so stoked to see the facade of the house come back to life.

I'm pretty excited for a spring cleaning video actually. I want to see all the nooks and crannies shine! Clean house goes a long way towards increasing productivity!

A flat roof is like setting yourself up for disaster. Frankly, I think a Gambrel roof would be a wonderful and period appropriate compliment to your Mansoud roof. It would give you the wonderful rafter/attic space and not look out-of-place with your lovely home. Good luck.

Those back doors on the garage and how they are hung (the rail slider) are remarkably similar to a 1912 garage my father-in-law had on his property. The door without the rail is used as a passage door. The 2 doors on the rail rolled back when full access was required. I thought it was a terrific idea, especially when only a passage door was required to gain access to the garage.

I have been watching you since the beginning! Your house and restoration helped me during COVID. I miss seeing Kim. When are you going to have a live show with Kim? I'd enjoy seeing her and you with an update as to what she's been doing and how she is enjoying this lovely house.

@peggystein3745

3 ай бұрын

God bless your diligence with this old gal!!!

@peggystein3745

3 ай бұрын

She appreciates you!!

@wdgbirmingham2

3 ай бұрын

Are they still together? Just curious. Haven't seen hide nor hair of her in ages...

@shellydehart8217

3 ай бұрын

I have to agree. She’s missed ♥️😊👍

@kristinrogersdotter5492

3 ай бұрын

​@@wdgbirmingham2 They got married

I'm a St. Louisan, and during the flood of '93, we were living in a rented house that had a flat roof. It was a nightmare. The roof started linking, the landlord wouldn't come fix it, and before we could move out, mold grew all over the walls, and part of the ceiling fell in. I never had allergies before that, and I've been plagued ever since. I'm convinced that's why! That was just a little 1000 square foot house. I would hate to see your beautiful house that you've put so much work into messed up by a leaking roof.

@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack

3 ай бұрын

we aren't changing the roof of the house.

@susanmorano405

3 ай бұрын

Yeah well good luck with that ​@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack

@triciag3311

3 ай бұрын

I hope I didn't offend you. It's a pretty traditional roof so it makes sense.

@Shinymoon0

3 ай бұрын

​@@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack I hope this comment didn't offend you because they was just looking out for the house

If you want a flashing that will last then use Copper - if done in short lengths and correctly jointed, it will last 150 + years without issue. You get what you pay for. Lead is a disaster to use - it will crack and break, Zinc is ok, but for a little more, Copper will last a few lifetimes and best protect the building. I would redo the entire flat roof in Copper - but that is a future project. I hope you kick on in the next season and make some progress. For any Lime repair work use CL90 - it is what was originally used and is far superior to NHL 2.0/3.5/5.0 - you can use CL90 to make Lime Render, Lime Mortar, Lime Plaster and Lime Wash. The Slates you have should be easily removed - I am sure they originally used iron nails, which will by now have corroded and be easy to rip out with a slate ripper tool. Then clean the slates and re-install using Copper Nails only (Not Steel Nails, not Galvanized Nails) - only Copper Nails - they allow a slate to be removed if required in the future without tearing up the surrounding slates. You need to install a weatherproof membrane first before the slates are applied over - this protects the house incase a slate breaks/slips off in a storm in the future - the membrane will keep the rain out.

Can’t wait to see the facade looking her best again! And yay for closing up window gaps- just think of how much money you’ll save on heating and cooling! I also agree with the comment about the kitchen- I hope you and Kim can have a real functioning kitchen soon. With that you’d have a fully functioning house!

@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack

3 ай бұрын

Having a functioning workshop will allow everything to happen.

I just discovered you yesterday, and I’m so excited! I realized when seeing the views out your windows that you live in the same neighborhood as my sister and her two adult kids. In fact, my sister told me how excited she was a couple of years ago when you started your project. I’m so glad to see your perseverance and what a high standard of work you are doing. It’s wonderful to see your beautiful old house come back to life. Having done my own home reno on a 1917 Craftsman house in Virginia, I encourage you to take a bit of time and clean up the rooms you aren’t working in. The constant mess and clutter of work tools and building materials can be both depressing and mind cluttering. Create as much order as you can in the parts of the house you are living in, and get rid of stuff you know you won’t use. That will lighten your brain load and help you to think more clearly. Hang in there, and keep on keeping on!

@dcan911

3 ай бұрын

Agree, cleaning up is an easy but productive job for those days when you lack motivation.

The idea of ​​building your own workshop in your garage is brilliant. Firstly, it will be possible to perform various complex wood works on site. And secondly, we, the viewers, will be able to watch it. Advantages only!

@solinvictus39

2 ай бұрын

A workshop space is a must for anyone that is a do-it-yourself-er or anyone who does any sort of woodworking, auto repair, etc.. The only problem with having a shop area apart from your house is heating it in winter. I only have a kerosene heater and it is simply too expensive to run it most of the winter, thus the shop spends a lot of time idle during the colder months.

@charlesyoung7436

Ай бұрын

I remain struck by the Bauhaus Modern look of the garage in contrast to the Second Empire house. Maybe it was built or modernized around the same time that the veterinary clinic was constructed in the basement.

Can I just say real quick that my dream collab is to see @AbbyCox and @NicoleRudolph in 1890s dress in this house when it’s more complete? It would be the absolute coolest crossover. I feel like y’all could pass historical/experimental archeology information back and forth like no others. And to see the house come to life like that? *swoon*

Can't help but admire your tenacity. Grateful for the educational aspect, which is definitely a rarity. Your channel is a jewel! Wishing you the best!

Oh, I love the iron fencing!! That will finish off the front yard so nicely!!

@redmapleleaf4617

3 ай бұрын

Yes. That fencing is beautiful. Where I live (BC Canada) that type of fencing is illegal and anyone who currently has it is told to cut the spires off. All for the deer that sometimes get impaled when trying to jump over them. Maybe not a problem in St Louis.

@c.pelletier1741

3 ай бұрын

My goodness! I didn't know that. Greetings from the other side of Canada!

Those new dormer parts look absolutely fabulous. Removing paint from the slate is quite a job. Paint stripper followed by lacquer thinner and lots of paper towels and newspapers, plus scraping with a razor blade. Don't do a flat roof on the garage, Caleb. Do hip roff. It will look better and last longer than a flat roof.

I hope you’ll be able to save the slate. It doesn’t look that broken up or damaged, maybe just sandblasting it or something.

Another thing I wish I’d done before I tackled my 1917 fixer upper in Virginia is to watch episodes of This Old House. I have learned so much from those guys!😊

I definitely wouldn't do a flat roof.

Your garage was built post 1910. It's a garage and not a carriage house. The "upside down " doors are original garage doors. That is how they were done, before the overhead door was invented around 1920. Seeing the structural work to be done on the garage, consider complete removal of all the roof. Leave only the masonry, rebuild what has decayed. Some of it is beyond tuckpointing . Rebuild a second floor mansard. Now you have more room, and a carriage house that matches the age of the house. Besides; it will be quicker, easier, and cheaper. Also it will look better.

@lauramitchell6725

3 ай бұрын

Did you notice the hardware above it tho? It almost looked like for a sliding barn door style?

@darroniverson

3 ай бұрын

@lauramitchell6725 yes. There were many types of mechanisms for garage door operation. This appears to be a type that folds together, while also being hinged for final swing to the side.

Hi Kaleb and Kim! So looking to see what you get done on the house in 2024. Thankfully Spring is coming soon and time to move back to outdoor projects again. 🌞 Dont forget you're both so amazing!! Luv, luv, luv Rita 💕

All you need is 3 or 4 Kaleb’s to get this all done! So looking forward to seeing the facade work progressing, and then of course, the interior rooms too! I’m especially interested in seeing what you do with the kitchen! I’ve been following you since the beginning and am in it for the long haul! God bless!

Your problem with water is not fust the flashing but the metal box internal rain gutters just under all that flashing. Tinsmithing is your immediate future and soldering lead for the shaping and joining of flat bent internal box gutter to internal downspout. Have fun! You do have the manlift and you will need a sheet metal brake for bending and the leadsmithing tools modern construction adhesives to join the tins might work. You will find the sheet metal box gutters are completely rotten and rusted out unless they were originally copper. Check that under the flashing. See Harrisburg castle for an example.

Im thinking a lot of the mess started in the 50s and 60s when families wanted modern homes and started moving into the suburbs. We lost a lot of cool buildings after the war and not much TLC went into these old ones.

@dcan911

3 ай бұрын

It was all propogated by racism too.

Beautiful Sunshine in a beautiful House! Thank you Kaleb

Absolutely amazing...I truly admire this project!

Do NOT put a Flat roof on your garage! A house I lived in, in North Florida, had one on the Carport & into the laundry area s tarted to leak & could never stop it! A Hip roof would look so good(and more functional) to my way of thought. I look forward to all you are able to get done in 2024!

I’ve seen all your segments and look forward to your progress in 2024. Thanks for sharing.

I've been casually following this project since S01; the progress you, your wife, and a small number of contractors have accomplished so far is nothing short of amazing. Channels like yours make me wish I didn't hate doing manual labor as I'd love to rehab a place like this some time :D

Looking good.!!!!!

Well done on realizing your windows shouldn't be changed out just yet. Been a fan since you started. The house I grew up in belonged to my maternal great grand parents. Asbestos pipes throughout the basement coal chute. Even the old coal burning furnace that had been updated possibly in the 50's was on it's last legs. It was a small three bedroom one bath. We moved in when I was about three. Which was 1966/67. The plumbing was shot. Flushing the toilet sounded like a demon from hell was being set loose. The small pantry was turned into where the fridge had been placed. Once refrigerators were feasible The windows. No two windows were exactly the same dimensions, Save for the two in the living room next to one another. Hence my point that Took so long to get to. The house as an odd duck to be sure. But, it had been built around the turn of the century. Getting the new windows in the early 70's [around the time of Hurricane Agnes I think because the tree next to the house decided it wanted to come visit me in my bedroom} All the extra shimming to get them all adapted to get them close to one size on the second floor alone was something else. We didn't even have window unit AC until a bit later. I live in Maryland. So, summers were miserable and winters? We would simply get that old plastic and stapled our sills and frames to keep the cold air out. So many staples.

Love your channel, work and attitude. Curious why we never see the kitchen? Seems like that would be a priority for restoration.

@c.pelletier1741

3 ай бұрын

Too many dirty dishes in the sink (just kidding!)

@lizzb1065

3 ай бұрын

I couldn't tell you which season or episode it was in, but I know Caleb has gone over his plans for the kitchen at least once before! I remember him showing off a super cool older model fridge and I think an oven as well. I agree though, I can't wait for more interior work on the house again. I personally love watching the little details inside the home bringing all the different rooms to life with color and texture and style!!

@rollandjoeseph

3 ай бұрын

Same thought here, that house needs some meals cooked in there!🙂

@dcan911

3 ай бұрын

Last we saw, he was using basic stuff (toaster oven/hot plate) i think the plan is for a victorian kitchen on the first floor, and a basic utilitarian kitchen in the basement.

Hope u can save the slate roof. Looking forward to ur videos in 2024

I grew up in a Mid Century Modern home with a flat roof. I always thought it was so cool because our house was different from all of the others on the block. However, it also had problems. I can remember Dad having to get on the roof to shovel off snow after snowstorms and then, that time when the roof caved in in the hallway due to a large amount of rainfall several days in a row. After that, (and being tired of bailing water collected in a baby pool out of the front door) Dad had a new, peaked roof put on because he didn’t want to have it happen again. You’ll do whatever you think is best. 😊

Amazing home- They don't build houses like this anymore. My mother was born and raised in Chester, PA. Some of the older homes had 10 foot pocket doors, oak wainscoting and original tile on these huge fireplaces. So glad you're saving this beautiful home...

I’m looking forward to seeing what the new year brings. I hope Kim is enjoying the shower as much as you were.

I was lucky enough to find your channel very early on and have followed you ever since. It was the title that caught my eye as I am fascinated by architecture from eras past. I truly admire you and Kim for your commitment, up-beatness (is that a word?), as you just continue to “plow through”, even when not-so-pleasant surprises present themselves. I feel like I know you two, you make yourselves known by sharing family and pet happy and sad times. I live in Indiana and plan to make the trip to St. Louis when progress makes it good for you to have “tourists”!

Wow just so much work. It’s great that you have the patience, dedication and interest to continue. Obviously you have learned a lot which will help you going forward. 😊

Looking forward to when you have your pristine, fully functioning H&B workshop/museum. I know it will be the perfect homage to the original owners!

I have to pile on to the chorus of NO's on the flat roof. They are never done right and cause nothing but problems down the road. Thanks for the progress report.

I’m so excited to see the roof repaired! The wood trim and the colors you chose look fantastic. Here’s hoping you’re able to salvage those slate tiles. 🤞

I like how you pay attention to the order in which to get things done...Good idea of not putting in new windows until all the outside dirty work is finished.😊

I love the show and tell episodes.

I was looking forward to seeing what’s to come

Gosh Caleb you take patience to another level! You mentioned that the windows would be an easy fix because they hadn't been painted, and then proceeded to list the 50 things that needed to be done to each one! 😂🤦🏼

I'm no roofer, but I'm always hearing through the grapevine that flat roofs suck 😝

Spring is almost here ❤

I've enjoyed this journey and how much you've done and mastered. Looking forward to the next season.

Amazing work!

Looking forward to next week.

You are so lucky to have the opportunity to restore such a beautiful home. I love to restore just about anything ,not on such a grand scale as you are doing. Looking forward to your next video! 😊

It’s coming together so well. So many years of hard working coming together. I really hope I will be able to stop by when I come to St. Louis in October.

Wonderful plans!

Good lord, what an undertaking of projects for the year, i was hoping to hear the kitchen being at the top of the list after the mansard roof.. heres an idea..perhaps put a big piece of brown paper on a wall in the house with projects listed in priority, that way its organized and out of your head. I get like this too with my house but quickly find im over planning which makes me get a bit overwhelmed.

Save the handrolled glass from the old windows, you can place the glass into the backyard door.

Im excited to see it transform! I'll have to drive past it again soon! Keep up the great work! Cheers from Fenton, Mo!

I hope you and your family are doing okay. Sending you hope and adventure in your new season. 😊

Thank you for the walk through of the next year restoration. I am looking forward to it.

Really looking forward to the finishing of the facade stripping. Even covered in spalling the bare limestone looks much nicer than the old (inappropriate) paint. Hopefully, the slate roof tiles are salvageable.

Lots of respect for you and your project. This would all be way too overwhelming for me.

WOW, so much work to do. I hope you are able to continue refurbishing this building because it has some amazing architecture that just isn't incorporated in new buildings anymore... Thumbs Up and take it one step at a time...safely!

Exciting season coming up! I hope most of your ideal items (ie: structural & leaky roof) work out for you.

St Louis needs a lot more guys like you man.

as 2024 opens up for the year, you as well as me have a laundry list of stuff that needs to be done.... HUGS to you and Kim, stay safe and keep going.... its looking good!

You, Sir, as they say - Rock! 🖤

I wish I was there, I would gladly volunteer to keep the premises clean and organized. I know you are laser focused on every project you work on. Your knowledge, confidence and capabilities have grown exponentially. Its amazing to see you and the house progress. Little by little, piece by piece. Its not just the destination, but the journey as well. Keep going!

Reading the comments I'm now an anti-flat roofer. Haha!

Nice update Caleb. Thanks for sharing your plans. Your man-cave I mean your workshop is going to be brilliant- Can’t wait. Bring on spring!! Let’s get the old lady looking beautiful from the street again.

I'm new here to your channel 😊 I just wanna say I love it! I love older homes they have such character and beauty. Some like your beautiful lady have historic significance as well. I'm hooked and have been binge watch to catch up. I can't to see more.

If you don't want that settee in garage I'll take it! Beautiful!

The doors in the back of the shop are garage door. I use to work for a company in Aurora IL call3d Richards-Wilcox. The hardware looks like the old style hinges. It called tri fold hardware. The box track is still made. Look at the hinges or track bracket s. There should be a R-W with a box track stamp around it. I use to recreate old hardware like yours for people like you doing renivations. RW has been around since 1880.

the only flat roofs I've seen that have real staying power are in England manor houses and are covered in lead sheeting. Maybe they're not the best for ground water quality but they do seem to last

When you get to putting an awning on the side of your garage, you might want to think of having one big enough to park a car under, because you'll really enjoy that during the winter helping to keep snow off your car.

I've been watching with awe the channel "Escape to Rural France" as he is building a mansard roof on his burned out chateau. Having seen your completed roof and some 'inside the roof' you've shown us, it helps me understand it more. It is no small feat!

Go with a pitched roof. You can pick up some storage space above the rafters too.

I'll begin with the fact i know absolutely nothing about slate roofing. Having said that I was wondering if the slates could just be removed and reapplied with the unpainted side face up. That might mean the edges have to have paint removed though. It would also give you a chance to repair or replace any rotted wood under the slate. Ok, now comes the opportunity for the professionals to weigh in... The house, inside and out, is coming along in a fantastic manner. I appreciate all you are doing and have done so far.

@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack

3 ай бұрын

the wood underneath is in excellent shape

I'm no roofer, would it be possible to remove the slate and simply reinstall flipped over? Perhaps you would be able to bypass removing the paint and save some time and effort. Been watching on and off since the beginning, the new exterior woodwork is amazing.

@lauramitchell6725

3 ай бұрын

Yes to at least trying this!👍

It's really great to watch. I love the passion behind your commitment to make her "sing again." She's definitely transforming into a beauty!

Love what you are doing to save this old home.

Fantastic! Looking forward to seeing a completed room aside from the completed toilet room in the first floor!!!

At 15:00 minutes you are in the basement talking, is that asbestos wrap on those pipes? if so, what are the requirements to deal with asbestos in that state, I absolutely love your house and the fact that you are painstakingly using everything that is period on the remodel, your specialist's truly are that, what quality workmanship they are doing with the woodwork, that vintage equipment is awesome and I can't wait to see it all together in the same building, thank you for bringing us along.

Caleb why not put some dowels or sticks in those windows and get them closed? Brrrr! St. Louis is cold in winter!!

Enjoy watching your videos

Absolutely love the music. The house is beautiful. 😮

thank you

keep up the good work and thank you for saving the Victorian.

Love all the attention to detail! Wow, that roof looks aweful! It looks like it could go as soon as the spring rains come. YIKES!!!

*Kia ora (hello) Kaleb & Kim and John too 🙂 Ohhh lots of great things are on your list of jobs for this year 2024 & beyond. Don't over stretch yourselves.. or stress out, if things take longer.... Cos we are all here for you no matter how long it takes. I always look forward to each and everyone of your videos. Kim, you gotta start up your channel again.. 🙂 oh and give all the pets a pat from me too 🙂nz*

I am very proud of myself I binge-watched the whole entire series just in time for season 4.

That whole place was on its last leg lol. You saved it in the nick of time 😉So much work to do but once you get the main parts done the rest should go pretty quickly :)))

I am quite surprised that you haven’t finished your workshop area in the garage. Perhaps I would have done that first. That would give you a a hub for future construction work on the house-an organized work area.

So excited for your coming year of projects and progress!

it's been a great seasons and l'm excited for you both for next season xxxx

Just love all the projects! What fun.

You gotta long list this year, LOL. Whatever you do, do not put a flat roof on your garage. Part of our house in Florida has one and we cannot stop the leaks. My husband also has to go up on the flat roof and remove live oak leaves several times a year. A hip roof would be nice. Have you considered a partial loft in the garage for storage? Wishing you the best and most productive year ever!

Glad to view your videos again.