We arranged a provisional date of 18th May (earlier bad weather had put them behind). Then I giot a call to say they could start at the end of April.
The first day we had good weather but rain was forecast over the following few days.
Well the majority of the roof was taken off then the next day was bank holiday.
It poured and poured for 3 consecutive days and there was nothing to stop the rain coming through the middle 'gite'. It fell onto floorboards that are also the ceiling and came through it like a waterfall. I do wish I had videoed it.
The net result was that all the boxes that Phil had brought back from the UK were soaking wet. The two new staircases we had just bought were sitting in puddles of water (thanks to the recently concreted floors the water had nowhere to go). Boots and shoes that had come back with Phil were ruined. Books and DVDs - although we managed to save the DVDs and some books during a period of sun when they were laid out all over the courtyard. Photos, Rich's school reports and certificates drenched and stuck together.
We were beyond upset!
I laid photos out by the hundreds in one of the guest rooms to dry.
The owner of the roofing company came out to discuss. The weather was still iffy and he explained that as the rafters had to be replaced they couldn't have covered with a tarpaulin because there was nothing to attach it too.
A lesson for us all I think.
Next time he sees a door he may ask what is behind it. We didn't know the right questions to ask as they were the professionals so we didn't anticipate anything like this happening.
Anyway - all hands were on deck and whilst I was back in the UK they worked like stink to get it finished. I came back on Monday and by Wednesday night all was done.
The salvage operation continued. How rain could seep into sealed containers and sealed bags within those containers I really don't know. However I think we are there now and we have a lovely new roof so we will put that little experience behind us.
