July 3, 2015 AsktheBuilder Weekend Warrior

"Are you doing the roof job yourself?"

"Yeah, I needed a project to keep me busy all summer."

Howard shook his head vigorously while he chuckled. He undoubtedly thought I was either extreme, insane, or who-knows-what.

Howard had just finished loading into his giant SUV with something he had just bought from me on Craigslist.

He and his wife are summer residents up here in my town of Meredith, NH. The rest of the year, they live down in the People's Republic of Massachusetts.

That's a joke as many, many NH residents fume at lots of the MA residents who come up here in the summer.

I've met some great folks doing business on Craigslist, but some very bad people lurk there, so if you decide to sell or buy in this marketplace, be sure you protect yourself.

Believe me, when someone shows up, I'm always able to react in just a few seconds if the deal blows up.

As for the roof job, if you're a new subscriber, I'm in the process of putting a new roof on my home.

Why?

Because a 30-year-old dimensional shingle made by a major manufacturer began to FAIL CATASTROPHICALLY in just 10 years.

I'm putting on an amazing synthetic slate advanced polymer roof made by DaVinci Roofscapes.

CLICK HERE to see the product I'm using.

It's been a DREAM to work with. Here's a photo of me with my official Australian Outback hat to keep the sun off my face and head.

I NEED HELP

I decided to do a very large investigative written piece on the failure of my asphalt shingle roof.

I produced a set of questions I put to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, GAF, Certainteed and Owens Corning.

So far all but one company in the above list has DECLINED to answer my questions. (Read the January 11, 2015 AsktheBuilder Alert to read when I discovered a Class Action Lawsuit.)

They're circling the wagons.

What does that telegraph to you?

Here's what I need.

I need to speak - either ON or OFF the record - with you or a friend if:

• you're a chemical engineer in the asphalt industry
• you worked in an asphalt shingle plant
• have any professional background in the asphalt shingle manufacturing process

I believe I know exactly why asphalt shingles are failing and I need help in getting answers so you have the best chance at getting a product that works for you.

Please CONTACT ME if you can help me.

Thermal Camera for Smart Phones

Yesterday, I participated in a live private webinar about the latest thermal imaging camera you just plug into your smart phone.

The camera is made by FLIR.

It's going to be called the FLIR ONE.

WOW is all I can say.

Moments ago, I just downloaded the app for my phone and I intend to try the camera out today on my roof.

I'm keenly interested to see how HOT the DaVinci Roofscapes synthetic slate shingles get.

I'm guesstimating they'll be over 150 F. I know as I've been burned about three times not paying attention!

Soon, after testing, I'll get back with you about how this.

Fireworks Safety

Tomorrow is our big USA national holiday - July 4th.

It celebrates the day we, as colonists, decided to stop putting up with tyranny. I asked a UK citizen yesterday if they've gotten over it yet. He sort of mumbled.

Anyway, lots of people set off fireworks at home.

The home displays rival some professional ones as MANY people up here at the lake shoot them off. Thousands of dollars go up in smoke here around my lake every year.

Two years ago, my neighbor set my yard on fire down at the shoreline of the lake with one of his fireworks. There were a bunch of dried leaves and pine needles that covered the ground. It could have started a serious brush fire but didn't.

Years ago, a similar thing happened at my in-laws house.

We set off a spinning saucer thing and it set a dried bush on fire next to the house. I was STUNNED at how BIG and how FAST the bush went up in smoke.

Fortunately, the house was brick and nothing happened.

In the time it took us to react, get the garden hose in position and turned ON, it was TOO LATE.

Here's my list of tips:

• Wet down ALL dried landscaping
• Keep the hose out, ON and CHARGED ready to go
• Move cars away from fireworks
• Don't set neighbors houses on FIRE
• Try to use common sense

Other than that, have a BLAST and be safe.

I'll be back next week. I'm working all weekend on the roof.

Oh, I'll share a pretty cool story about my first two real days back on the train as a Conductor.

Yes, I'm a real conductor on a real train.

CLICK HERE to see.

Here's the story tease:

The Happiness Store is OPEN for business.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!