Sustainable Roof

First of all we often wonder what we have worth keeping and historical context.

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/traffic-lighting/maps-records/records

Contact: Colleen Paavola Public Works Technician Email 1000 City Hall Annex 25 4th St W Saint Paul, MN 55102 Phone: 651-266-6104 Fax: 651-266-8855

Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday

http://roofingdoctor.net/roofing-faqs/

Shingles are now obsolete according to Mr. Money Mustache http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2014/03/24/how-to-install-a-metal-roof/

Do architectural asfalt shingles realy last for 50 years.  Here is a clue

http://www.classactionsnews.com/consumer/gaf-timberline-defective-roof-shingles-class-action-lawsuit

Lindus

http://www.lindusconstruction.com/MN-Home-Remodeling-Improvement-WI.php

Roofing Options

http://www.wow.com/wiki/Roof_shingle

What features of old houses have charm & utility that is relevant to future residents?

http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-old-house-features-we-were-wrong-to-abandon-46066#.VvtYuXCG9yU

Main House had transom windows above upstairs bedroom doors that were vital to air return.  They admitted natural light to front hallways and interior rooms before the advent of electricity, and circulated air even when doors were closed for privacy. Transoms serve both purposes just as well today, and of course, the beauty of glass is timeless.  MSC replaced these with steel panels for privacy, security, and fire barriers.   However some form of operable, fire safe, sound dampening, venting to the hall would be useful.

Cell phones replace intercom, but perhaps a modern intercome could forward to cell phone corresponding to a room, but perhaps labeled by mailbox for privacy.

Northeast homes of the 18th and 19th century had walls of exceptional thickness (as they were often made of brick), providing a deep window jamb whose embrasures, or pockets, could contain an entire interior shutter.

Dumbwaiters, rootcellers, Rumford Fireplaces.

Picture rails were installed primarily in the New England and Southern townhouses in the Victorian era and provided a way to hang artwork on plaster walls that could crumble under the force of hammer and nail.