First Aid Repair

So we have a rotting problem. In the roof to be precise. It's something we've been aware of but never made it a priority to fix until now.

It all started when I painted the toilet ceiling and noticed the wood was moist and not fit for painting. So we got up on the roof and took a look around and this is what has been going on. Most probably during a typhoon, strong rain and winds the some roof tiles just flew off or may have been struck by a flying object.

Traditionally, the roof has a layer of clay laid onto a wooden frame and then the tiles are placed on top of them. It gives the home a very....well...earthy smell. I first noticed something was going on when I saw a tall weed proudly standing up high on the roof. At the time I didn't know that the clay was suppose to be there, so I started pulling it off and then realized my mistake.

So, dear husband did a temporary first aid repair until we can fully re-make the wooden frame at a later stage, but preferably before next summer hits again. He simply cut some timber from an old crate we had and placed it over the hole and then relaid the tiles. Unfortunately the corner tile was worse for ware and broke. Looking at that wooden frame, I honestly don't know how it can hold up all those tiles.

Here are some snaps I took around Obachan's local town. The roof below is of a converted kimono shop that is now a restaurant. 

 

 Here is the visitor's centre....

.....and a beautiful kura (storage building).

Here is a side view of Obachan's roof tiles. Notice the detailed pattern on the tiles? I came up with an idea that I will share with you later to highlight this craftsmanship on a recent project at Obanchan chi's. Considering how long this little old farmhouse has been sitting here through sunny days, typhoons, heavy rain, heat and cold it is still showing no signs of leakage. But "touch wood" that our luck so far lasts until we can do a proper job on repairing this little old roof.

 Now off to that onsen....