Let’s talk about our roof here in the Philippines, especially here on Luzon where we are but a few weeks from the rainy season (Monsoons). In Boston we had high gabbled roofs to aid in the disposing of the falling snow and that has not happened yet here in Dinalupihan Bataan so I don’t need that type
I noticed as I traveled in areas prone to Cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons that the slab (Flat) roof was preferred. When I inquired as to the reason it was explained to me that wind had a difficult time of blowing off flat roofs. I have been in many typhoons and hurricanes both on land and at sea and thought about it. Then I said “The roof deal doesn’t matter much at sea… well then they pointed to the Air Craft Carriers with a flat roof! Okay; that was lesson #1
This is not a lecture as to what type of roof you should have, as a matter of fact if a thatched roof is your desire more power to you. This is about what sort of roofs I have on my house in Bataan, a cement slab roof, waterproofed with rubber barriers and Sahara mixed cement (waterproofed) plus rubber based Boysen Roof Guard paint. True there is a gabled roof on the man cave, but it’s protected by the house which blocks most of the wind.
In Florida and Puerto Rico I also had houses and bars that had slab roofs, they flooded inside but the roof was attached when the storm went away. The flooding was another warning or lesson #2: “Paul; move off the beach you idiot and keep your feet dry.”So mountains were what I sought out when I came to the Philippines.
Mountains will also provide gravity and rain water will seek its own lever which happens to be lower than where I live. Also mountains weaken typhoons. Yes I put a little thought into where I was going to live in the tropics. Paul learns lesson #3
My neighbor’s prefer the slanted tin roof with the old tires up there to aid in the breeding of mosquitoes and by not painting them they save countless dollars. Behind me the guy treated his roof with vinegar and it smelled like a salad for a week and then painted it with a water based house paint I’ll assume he had laying around. Three weeks into last years rainy season the roof was bare metal again. Now before anyone shouts that I have more money, than him, allowed to point out that yes he is Pinoy, but sails as a US Merchant Marine. Money was not the problem, being cheap was.
In 2013 we had the fringes of five big storms and countless small squalls that hit my area. All were rain driven by wind that broke through the edges of my roof where the walls connect and allowed a very small amount of water damage to the interior. It was nothing major, major but a sizable pain in the butt. In January I power washed my roofs and scraped the old chalking along all the walls. I have 7 three inch drains to remove rain water from my roof but the wind driven rain is the one that will getcha.
In the middle of buying the car, my wife Mayang decided that the roof was clean now and needed to be weatherproofed. Don’t worry honey the US Government will crap some more money on us in a day or two. In fact she didn’t seem concerned at all. First the crew arrives headed up by my brother-in-law Juhn He always provides a quality job, and since he is paid by the day he takes his time to ensure the job is done correctly. But you already knew that.
First the crew chalks ever square inch, well not really every inch but every crack and crevasse and or fissure they could find. Truthfully, take your time boys this is what I wanted to happen and I just let economics lead the parade. Cold beer and my mouth shut worked just fine for me. Now for the painting, of course I purchased the same Boysen Roof Shield or Roof Guard (I never get that right), the simple reason is, it did last 14 years the last time, but the cheap stuff you’ll by every year over and over, buy the good stuff once. Lesson # 4 (BTW no vinegar was used).
In 1993, I was visiting my folks on Cape Cod, when my dad’s 25 year old Sony TV showed its last “Price is Right”. We went to a big box store and he asked what brand of TV I would recommend? I just asked; “How long did that Sony Last?” He bought a new Sony.
We did the patio roof, the man cave roof, the laundry area roof and the car port. Then Mayang pointed out one more roofs on our upstairs bedroom also has a roof, hey, I forgot, or might I blame the beer?
So as the rainy seasons rapidly approaches’ I’m as prepared as I can be, I enclosed a picture of my neighbor “Rooster Man’s” house and lot, his roof will be ready as soon as he places the used tires and hollow blocks up there. Feed for the roosters is vastly more important than a dry place fur his kids to live.
Last year my friend in Olongapo lost his steel truss and tile roof to a typhoon, instead of using the insurance money to lay a slab roof, he rebuilt the old roof, well some habits die hard even with Kano’s. But if it snows his roof is ready!
Once more, in no way am I telling anyone that my way is the only way to go, but after countless typhoons I’ve yet to sustain any damage to our house since we built it in 1999. All I’m saying is’ I did it my way! This article is just food for thought.
LOL Paul, true to form, the top deck of your house reminds me of the top deck of an aircraft carrier bristling with antennas, radars and early warning systems. Perhaps you can add a replica of WWII Spitfire fighter plane on your deck to complete the picture. 🙂
John;
I was thinking of a Helicopter landing “H” painted there, until I remembered that someone would try and land on my roof.. Those dishes are my typhoon early warning system; I don’t trust the Pag Asa.
Jokes aside, Paul, you really do know how to protect your investment. Good looking slab roof to boot. I guess your experiences living in both tropical islands of Puerto Rico, and now the Philippines, where the whims of Mama nature could spell disaster if you’re not prepared have served you well. Now, as the typhoon season approaches, I can see you sitting back in your Captain’s chair in the comfort of your home during the strongest of winds and rain and just smile when PAGASA issues warning no. 4! Albeit with your heart in your throat, I’ll bet, especially when you see your next door neighbor’s roof (the one that has used tires and hollow blocks on top of it) fly off with a 115mph wind. LOL
John;
The last time his roof took flight it landed mostly in my yard, causing slight damage that I never pointed out to him. But tires on my patio is beyond the pale (LOL)
The neighbour on the other side has graciously given permission for us to pay to trim his mango trees that are very close to our house. “What a guy!” Is all I can say about him? But being ill prepared is short of stupid, if you know your ship is head into rough seas you batten down the hatches before you arrive.
Stand by for heavy rolls!!!
That’s why they call them the PAG-Guessers!
Looks like SH-3 capable, if the Marines had to land to quell any disturbance with your neighbors the Amphibious Ready Group would have to repel from a CH-53 for sure!
Rick;
Repelling onto my roof is good; landing a CH-53 is bad, my beer ref couldn’t stand the load.
Nice job! Very informative. One question? Tough to tell from the pics, but are there drains on the flat roof? How many and where does the water drain to? My wife’s family cinder block house with thatched roof has terrible drainage problem and pools up on the sides of the house. I’m trying to get them to put some drain pipes in to run-off to the bigger drain pipe on the street.
Tim;
In the article I mentioned I had 7- 3 inch roof drains that empty into two 12 inch square storm runoff drains to the road. Without them it would be a swimming pool up there. (LOL)
One neighbor complained about the runoff and said I should pay to cement the front of his fence bordering the street. I explained he should put in a claim to the church, as God sent the water; I keep what I need and return the extra. He seemed to understand that.
With a thatched roof, I can’t picture how gutters will work; I suggest they replace the roof the next time the old one blows off Remember it is also a major’ major fire hazard.
Thanks Paul. Yes, you’re right, need to replace thatch with metal roof. Plan is to put a fence up first, (almost done!) then put all the materials for a roof, and other renovations, behind the fence so they don’t wander off 🙂
Tim;
Using “Sherman and Mr. Peabody’s Way-Back-Machine I’ll relate a story to you…” It was 1994 I was at my Father-in-laws house for New Years Eve, the Emparaflu (Cheap-ass Brandy) was flowing like water and the fireworks were being set off close to the house which at the time had a thatched roof. Luckily the year before I put a well and pump on their property as during the night they set the roof a blaze twice. The following year a typhoon removed the roof once and for all, and was promptly replaced with a new improved roof.
Great posting Paul. I too will do this.
Phillip;
If it fits your needs I recommend it, the only downside is if the guy pouring the roof decides to go cheap on the water proofing materials. This you must watch very closely. Also insure you have ample drainage. Then you’ll have an extra party area on the roof patio to enjoy those sunsets with a well chilled SMB and your lady.
You look good on the roof Paul, looks like a good place to drink a few SMBs on a cloudy day.
Loren;
Once more Happy 70th Birthday young feller, you must be tired after 70 trips around the sun.
We can sit up there under a canopy and consume vast amounts of rum and cokes and SMB’s in the mild November sun. While the ladies sit downstairs and watch Eat Bulaga on the big screen, we can throw the empties in my neighbor’s yard.
Sounds like fun & the neighbor should appreciate the empties. Turning 69 at Texas Joe’s with you and the ladys was a lot more fun than hitting 70 here in Colorado after another night of freezing weather making sure the last of the new fruit would not make it this year of 2014 in the cycle of the big warm up of the globe.
Loren;
Here we’ve got “Global Raining” this is the first time I’ve ever seen it rain in April. Are you visiting Pogue Mountain this year?
Hopefully late October or early November. If we get a couple more nights of freezing weather maybe a few months sooner.
Loren;
I hope the blizzard of 2014 hits Colorado in June!
Loren
Happy 70th birthday. You need to get back here soon to break in Paul’s new old roof.
Thanks Papaduck and I am looking forward to my first SMB’s in my 70 year.
Paul
You’ve convinced me, flat roof going onto the new house design! Sitting up there drinking beer? Might need an electrical socket or two for the beer fridge as I wouldn’t want the moment spoiled by having to walk up and down the stairs all afternoon/evening.
Tagay
AJ UK
AJ UK;
I have both lights and sockets installed up there, as I’m lazy too. I’ve never moved the beer ref up there but a boom box and cooler work just fine. The roof will remain empty during the typhoon season but then I’ll move my party tent and lawn (roof) furniture back up and enjoy the barmy tropical breezes plus the view from November to March. Ah the sweet life…
Hi Paul ,, Informative Article as usual ,, I’m about to find out as its my first job on arrival ,, fix the leaky roof 🙁
I was wondering if you has considered using 2pak paint ,,, its an International Protective Coating product called ,, InterPlus 1180
We’ve just done hundreds of square meters here on workshop floors ,, blast it clean ,, mix it , apply it with a 25 mm nap roller,,,
The initial out-lay would be more but may work less expensive in the long run,,,
PS ,, I’ll bring a bottle of rum when I come,,
Russell;
First we have all the good imported Rum’s here, plus the Tanguy 12 year (Local) superior which is excellent rum. So save the room in your luggage for something you really need. And thank you for your most kind offer.
As for the paint you mentioned, is it available here? I’d use any good product that works (Albeit only the next time I paint the roof) LOL.
Give a shout when you’re in the area!!!
Great article Paul given me some great ideas for the house I just bought in Cebu. Thanks
Philip;
Thank you!
Me giving good ideas, my shop teacher in High School might be surprised at that.
So thats the guy you were talking about next door, with the 30 roosters huh, looks way to close to sleep though that each morning, but maybe thats why you get up so early.
It looks like your roof is just bare concrete with the rubberized paint you applied for the water-proofing, so you dont have a rubber membrain thats glued to the concrete do you, or maybe they dont do membrain roofs there, I dont know. 14 years sounds to be very good longevity though for rubberized paint, in that kind of heat. You happen to know how thick your roof is,(concrete) just curious.
Does not sound like a clay tile roof can stand up to a typhoon there. I have never lived in a hurricane prone area before, so not to sure what types of roofs will still be there, after its passed, but will defiantly stay away from cedar or coconut shake roofs I guess.
Bill;
All you can see is the top, not the 18 inches beneath the paint: 1st Start with Rebar’s (Number 24) Sahara cement, rubber membrane, #2 then more rebar Sahara cement rubber membrane; #3 more rebar’s Sahara cement finish with rubberized paint. 24 inch square cement support beams to support it all with no columns in anywhere inside the house.
I have seen every roof type roof take flight during a storm, which doesn’t mean they all will I’ve seen tile roofs still there after a storm. But “I” have never seen a slab roof go missing ever!
Rooster boy has become nothing but “White Noise” to me if I do hear it doesn’t register with me anymore. Time will do that to you.
So a 3’x3′ square of your roof would weigh 2000lbs, since its 1/2 a yard of concrete at 18″ thick. I have no idea how large a roof surface you have, but I dont see it possible any kind of storm moving your roof, walls possibly since they would be bearing the wind load, but not the roof. Did you do poured concrete walls also, or filled cinder block. Sounds like concrete slab roof might be the way, and just do a shallow pitch hip roof, if I can find a way to make it look more ornamental maybe.
I know I could bore anyone to death with my questions, but my new strategy is to just ask each person a few questions rather than one poor guy a whole bunch of them. Its hard to find out much about the way houses are constructed there, when I am on the other side of the world. My next trip there will be spent at building supply places I think, and trying to find out the materials used and quality of them there, and what tools are available. I looked at a couple hardware stores in malls before, but power tools, and even common hand tools were pretty sparse selection and crappy brands.I guess concrete construction though, does not require very many tools though, other than a rebar cutter and bender, a mixer and maybe a vibrator. In Cebu, I saw many places that had banners on there outside wall advertising brands that here in US are pretty good.
Its the voltage thats the problem, I dont know if it will be possible to maybe get some of mine rewound there for 220 volts or not. Anyone ever tried to have that done there before.
Bill S;
Filed cinder block, and in 1999 you could not find aluminium framing or drywall so I have solid walls that wish I didn’t. If you had a rebar cutter and bender it would rust before anyone would us it. The workers have their own way of doing everything, if they are doing a good job, I don’t interfere. Power tools (Good Brands) are a bit higher in price here. I recommend that all power tools be sold in the states and 220 repurchased here or a speed run to Singapore or Hong Kong. All major brands are here. Check on your power tool chargers and see if they are duel voltage, as some are.
Paul,
Your articles are always informative. Nicely done!
Thank you!
Bill
Bill;
Being informative? I’m not so sure of, as I only write about what has happened to me, as I’m way too lazy to do any research. (LOL)
Great job Paul! How about coming over and plugging the new hole in the roof of my car? The hole where the sunroof used to be.
Bill;
Some plywood wrapped in a plastic bag nailed to the roof should work just fine. What color was the care? Roof Guard only comes in a few colors.
Paul
Concrete slab roof it will be. We’re moving to the higher elevation in lipa city batangas at the end of the month. We’re renting a house until we purchase a lot for building towards the end of the year. In Florida they use elastametic which is like the boysen roofguard to paint the buildings on the beach fot protection from the wind and rain. It rained here a few days last week to really cool things off.
Randy;
We had a few quick rains last month, but not enough to do any good. Unless Al Gore is right, and he never has been. The rain should start on the 15th and the season will begin. I’m the odd guy that loves that rainy weather.
Elastametic paint might be what I used and didn’t know the real name.
Looks like the beginning of a nice Antenna farm up there Paul. Is it the angle of the pic or is half of one of the elements on the directional antenna missing. Could it be one of the neighborhood roosters landed on it and it broke ?
Your roof looks great and thanks for the paint lesson. I am using 25 year fiberglass reinforced shingles on my roof here in New York. I think their ” use by date ” is either rapidly approaching or maybe just passed but there are no leaks so I’ll leave it well enough alone.
Bob (NY);
The old style TV antenna was removed the next day and found its way to my Brother-in-law’s house when it dawned on me that it was connected to nothing. I guilty of going native and just leaving it there as a display since the year 2000 when they put up the two dishes That picture was only the second time I’d been up there.
Paul
Just have a quick question, what are your handrails made of? Are they painted wood of steel?
Just wondered what the best material would be in a humid climate and only about 1 mile from the sea shore.
Tagay
AJ UK
AJ-JK
Stainless steel is the best, but painted galvanized steel pipe was what I could afford as we were finishing up the house, it’s not rusted yet.
The rainy season has started here in Cambodia. Didn’t get a drop of rain from December to April. Get your umbrella ready. Love that red roof– same color as my old truck.
Kevin;
During normal years (As if Asia has normal years) Luzon will also get no rain between December and May, but as Al Gore predicted this year we had “Global Raining” in March and April not much rain mind you but any at all is odd.
The red is called Spanish Red, as I think that color was invented in Spain, I was hoping to find Hawaiian Blue as I used to like that song. Stay as dry as you can in Cambodia this year I think we all are in for a “Gully Washer”.
Hi Paul, good article ( as usual ) informative and clever.
They say that the golden rule in real estate is location, location, location…..
Would be interested to know why you chose to build and settle in Dinalupihan, Bataan ?
i can understand the beach V. mountain arguement. Even the provence V City arguement.
Choosing which area, town, barangay is the hard one !
Close to family ? facilities ? View ? Transport ? Subdivision ? Gated ?
How have you guys decided ??
David;
I was renting in Olongapo City, and when I was home off the ships the family came up to Dinalupihan every Sunday to visit my wife’s family who had left Olongapo 10 years before. After lunch and having a frosty cold SMB under the mango tree I noted that I was comfortable, no sweat was dripping from my brow as it would have at the same time of day in the city. It was the cool mountain breeze aided by the lack of a diesel cloud and noise that told me I’m moving up here. Back then it was a tad primitive but I guess that’s why I could buy a 1000 SQ. Meters for PNP 135,000.Throw in the gravity factor the prevents flooding and most of what you listed is also true. I’m only a 15 minute drive from the bright lights of the city of which I’ll visit but I don’t want to live down there.
That’s my story and I’m…