1.1.2016 - Happy New Year!

We had a great day to start the New Year!

After we got home from church, Jim headed out.  His first task was to get the Bobcat out and shovel the driveway a bit.  The snow/ice we got last week is still on the ground and may be for quite awhile so Jim wanted to get some of it flattened out. 

After that, he built up another level of scaffolding on the east wall.

Then it was time to turn our attention to finishing up the west wall - our big plan for the day.  Unfortunately, snow remains on the scaffolding and platforms as well so Jim had to shovel before he could go out!  Not the best of conditions but the snow was mostly wet and not icy - and it probably isn't going to get better any time soon.

Then we got busy cutting and installing house wrap.  We still had the highest parts to do - Jim had to get out the ladder for the peak.

Finishing up the last of the house wrap before a late lunch break.

All the house wrap is done - the wood is all protected now for the winter!

After lunch, Jim installed the track pieces on the window frame.

Stapling the corner flashing onto the frame...

Using the heat gun to warm up flashing so that it would stick better.  The temperatures were in the low 30s but there was a brisk wind which made things really cold. 

Attaching the shims to the bottom frame...

Carrying up the window!  Since we readjusted scaffolding, we no longer have our mid-level platform over the stairwell that was a great place to stash things as we brought them up/down.  Jim had to carry the window on his shoulders the whole way up the ladder.

Ta da!  We got the window in place!  Jim is fastening it down...

Thrilled to have this window in to keep all the elements out!  Perfect time, because the snow flakes were flying all afternoon.  By the time Jim got all the various screws and flashing done on this window, his hand especially were about half frozen! 

The inside view...

The west wall is all done until siding time!  We couldn't be more ecstatic about accomplishing this goal - a great way to start 2016!  This wall has been such a worry point for so long - but now it's done!

 

High 35 (wind chill 19)/Low 25