Demolition begins!

Today, Saturday, May 31, we began the demolition of our old porch!  We were very grateful for the added muscles of our son, Thomas.  So glad he was there!

First, we had to remove the roof over the porch, since it was attached.  Tom and John (with me helping with support) took the roof off, then started dismantling it right there on the porch.  It was so heavy, we couldn't just throw it over.  Plus, we didn't want anything down below to get damaged!

Partially dismantled roof.

Tom helping support roof.

Inside looking out at the partially dismantled roof.

 When all but one lag screw was left, Tom and John supported the roof while I unscrewed the last thing holding it on!  Thankfully, the beams and the carport roof also helped support it.  It was VERY heavy!











They took the shingles off first, then some of the plywood, then some 2x4s, then more of the plywood, then more 2x4s.  When it was finally light enough to handle safely, they carefully put it over the side, while I directed it's fall. 

After it was down, then my job was taking it apart all the way and getting all the nails out.  Now there are just piles of 2x4s, plywood, hardware, screws and nails!

Taking off the ballisters was easy with a screw bit in the drill.  We stopped at 3:00 and next week will take down the porch and the stairs.

My strong John!  Almost done for the day.

Done for the day!  The porch is no longer safe, so it has no railing or ballisters.