While we’ve been working on our own DIY projects, the outside of our house continues to move forward, and we’re so excited to share some progress! The biggest item – our roof!
We’ve been without any real covering on our roof since middle of June now. There have been a couple rainstorms since then, which got a little dicy (water pouring through the ceiling in our bathroom), but the cedar shake-style composite roofing is going on and we are over the moon with how it’s looking.
We’re working with Brava Roof Tile on our new roof, and the product is really outstanding. You can read more about it in their FAQ, but we’ve been so impressed. It’s sustainably made, fully recyclable, Class 4 impact rated (the highest there is), with a 50-year warranty. A bigger investment up front, for sure, but will last for decades.
Installation of the roof tile is slow-going. It installs like a standard cedar shake roof, using the same equipment. Of course this product doesn’t mold or dry out and become brittle/break when you shoot a nail through it. But they told us up front for a roof our size it would be about 2-3 weeks. We’re just starting week 2 and feel like they’re making great progress.
We also opted to layer roofing felt in between each layer of roofing tiles. It’s not required with the product, but can help with ice-damming in the winters and keep water-shed consistent through all seasons. An extra expense on our end, but we want our underlayment to last as long as the roofing itself, and this will really help with that.
Most of the new windows are now installed. The above image shows the new window for our main bathroom, which was a little tricky. The roofline is higher than the floor line, so finding a balance between how it looks from the outside vs. how it looks from the inside took some time, but I think we landed on a good spot. You can also see the mocked up outline of our big round window, which will hopefully get installed this week!
And of course, our siding. Every time we look at it, we pinch ourselves. It’s perfect! We went with LP® SmartSide (not sponsored) because of it’s durable, easy to install, and paintable. Once it’s all installed, all of the siding around the house will get painted BM Graphite (the same color used on our play set makeover).
I am so in love with the shorter spacing for the siding planks. SmartSide comes in 12, 8, and 6in widths. We went with the 6in – after a 1in overlap that leaves around a 5in space. And though we debated smooth vs. wood-textured, we’re so happy we went with smooth. It was the right call for this house.
We have a few video shoots scheduled for late September, so this exterior project officially has a deadline! And though there’s lots to do, we’re working closely with our contractors to make sure we have all current projects (including our bathroom!) buttoned up in time. Let’s do this!
Would love to know what sheen you are using for your siding? We are painting our siding on our exterior and I can’t decide!
Our siding is matte and the contrast paneling will be satin.
Hi, your roof looks fantastic! :) We are in the process of choosing Brava Cedar Shakes right now and I have to say its SO hard to choose from just comparing all their samples. It almost looks like your roof has multiple/custom colors. Did you customize it with more than one choice of shake? The samples to me look so different from online pictures, wondering if you have any advice before we pull the trigger. I know they’re made to order so we can’t mess this up! Thank you!
This is the weathered one. It’s perfect!
I have a question about where the siding meets up at the corner. I love that it has a mitered look and no trim piece. What did your contractor do on the corner where it is currently white? We are remodeling our a-frame and attaching a modern box off the back. I love the clean look, and of course want to copy your impeccable decisions.
There’s a cool piece that the LP Smart Side sells that is super thin and makes the mitered corners look
We have the Brava barrel tile roof and absolutely love it. We’ve had it about 4 mo and I love the idea that it’s built to last the rest of our lifetime. So beautiful too! Would like to hear more about your windows. We are considering replacing ours.
I love your windows! My husband and I need to replace the single pane windows in our new (old) house. I’m a bit overwhelmed at all the choices! How did you choose yours? What material is the frame? Would appreciate any insight to your thought process. Thanks
These are the Pella Architectural Series windows