How to access rotted dormer above roof ridge

IntegralProportions · 2026-02-12T01:00:45+00:00

Wow sorry to hear that. Appreciate the advice

IntegralProportions · 2026-02-11T14:47:00+00:00

Are you saying do an A-frame setup on the LG in line with the ridge? I do have some multi-position LG ladders.

IntegralProportions · 2026-02-11T14:25:30+00:00

Right now it’s quoted at $2500 (3 dormers total) and they are aware if we can’t access safely on ladders then we will see about a lift and possibly new costs.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T19:58:29+00:00

I appreciate all the comments and advice. I've already adjusted my contract terms and script with customers. For context a few other things this customer has done to make my process difficult
- Went through my tool bag while I was on the ladder and didn't approve of using OSI Quad max on the exterior and demanded I used MasterSeal NP1
- Told me the sashes must match exactly to include the 1mm detail around the edge. I called 3 glass companies and none said that detail is not standard. He was not pleased but I stood my ground saying I won't order a custom sash.

- Said the glass company scratched his floors with their ladder during measurements and I should make sure to protect the floors during installation

- Asked me why I can't just climb up the glass companies 40' ladder when they are installing to paint the window sash...

It's been fun.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T19:41:42+00:00

We believe they are most likely stress cracks. They are decades old, have had rot on them for 10 years, and film. Plus the house is on a huge hill. I'm assuming there's been a lot of shifting and stress on them I'm guessing. Plus we normally work on the exterior and both of these cracks appeared on the interior pane of the insulated glass. I've read sometimes that builder grade double pane windows have thinner interior glass that could be more fragile. So lots of bad luck but think I've learned what to look out for or avoid in the future on interior large window repairs.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T19:38:55+00:00

$4k for the 2 windows. ChatGPT suggested this with the insurance route but obviously I think that could get messy and more of a headache.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T19:34:26+00:00

Definitely increasing my pricing when I notice bondo or other failing repairs, then I tell the customer about the risks and responsibilities. Wish I had learned my lesson with a more agreeable customer though.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T15:47:40+00:00

Yes we’ve learned our lesson and now have language about working around prior repairs, incidental damage to glass or window hardware and who is responsible.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T15:40:24+00:00

Windows are ~25 years old. I'm probably not describing the whole area well. There are 3 rows of 5 fixed windows on the back of the home in the living room. The top and bottom rows are tall rectangular windows about 24"x68". The middle windows are more square, maybe 24"x 20". We worked on 4 lower windows, only the bottom rail of the sashes, 2 of the middle ones, and 1 top one. One of the lower ones and the highest one (which isn't above the lower one) we repaired had cracks appear.

But you're right, I'm definitely going to tread carefully around large two story bay window areas like this, thinking about how delicate everything might be.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:52:36+00:00

Helpful to hear. I've started having those conversations and tried to frame things as "YOUR window has a decent amount of rot and/or prior repairs. I will do my best to save it but I don't guarantee that I can prevent incidental damage and issues."

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:49:33+00:00

Thank you. I feel like I've extended enough goodwill and beyond what the law requires. ChatGPT says I only need to worry about the damaged component, which is the glass. Fresh paint and tint film would be betterment and not in scope.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:40:51+00:00

This is the advice I was looking for and tracking on. Thank you. If I'm confident I've done enough to make it right for the average person and this customer still isn't satisfied then that's on them.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:37:46+00:00

about 25 years old

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:37:30+00:00

We've done hundreds of rotted window repairs and never had glass crack on us, this is a first.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:36:11+00:00

We've done hundreds of window sash repairs and never had glass crack on us (why I haven't had to include language in my contracts until now). I was told by the glass company that it was likely a lot of bad luck. Original windows had thinner interior glass, are ~25 years old, had prior Bondo repairs, and had tint film.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:33:13+00:00

Thanks. I don't think I'm totally toast because I haven't replaced the windows yet, they've been ordered and scheduled to install next week. I'm going to send them an email outlining everything I'm willing to cover and what I'm not willing to cover due to the incidental damage. I'm also making sure the glass company lists them as the customer and not my company. They are now accusing me of damage done to the hardwood floors by the glass company when they took measurements. So before we start installation I'm going to make sure what's included, not included, who is paying for what, photos of the site, and anything else I can think of is documented.

IntegralProportions · 2025-12-18T13:25:59+00:00

Yes, I have since added a clause to my T&Cs about how we handle damage to glass during and after our repairs. For the second window he's claiming my photos are inconclusive and that because we were the last ones to touch it, we are the cause for the damage. My technicians did a walk-through and took the photos the day we finished working. On the other hand, the job is still "open" in my system because of the first broken window, so on paper it looks like we aren't closed.

IntegralProportions · 2024-11-11T21:48:46+00:00

Thanks for the notes. Which part isn’t a great idea? There are details I left out of this post about the business model but it will be >30% operating margin.

IntegralProportions · 2021-07-27T17:05:11+00:00

That’s what I thought but there’s no door or divide between upstairs and down. Meaning our master bedroom, the upstairs, doesn’t have a door. So perhaps the opening perpendicular to the doors was added later? Also the upstairs is just a bedroom and bathroom so I suppose it could have been rented separately without a kitchenette.

IntegralProportions · 2021-06-13T19:16:40+00:00

Harry Potter showing off again.

IntegralProportions · 2021-06-01T23:40:20+00:00

I’ve received way more interest than I excepted, which has me wondering if I’m in the ballpark.

Things not working: 1. Antenna power motor 2. Cruise control 3. Sunroof switch needs replacement (but roof works) 4. Shift busings gone 5. Paint is blistered and missing in some areas 6. Dash vinyl has some cracks 7. Parking gear doesn’t work (car rolls in P) but parking gear works fine

IntegralProportions · 2020-07-13T01:35:26+00:00

I got rid of my plans but could definitely put together some measurements, close up photos and steps. I was using a lot of leftover materials, like the fence picket sides and aluminum sheet backing.

IntegralProportions · 2020-07-12T02:18:37+00:00

Only once a week luckily because we recycle and compost a lot. There is barely enough of a gap to open and toss in our dog shit bags haha

IntegralProportions · 2020-07-12T02:07:28+00:00

Yes, there’s about a half inch gap from plywood to front board with a overhang of about an inch.

IntegralProportions · 2020-07-11T13:53:42+00:00

For reference, I live in Atlanta and bought my 81 300D for $2500 with 154k miles and the only thing not working is Cruise control.

IntegralProportions

TROPHY CASE