With the rainy season fast approaching, it was imperative that the roof was fixed. It wouldn’t do to arrive and find that the beds and computers got wet. My husband agreed to do the work and even called the owner to name his price. So the arrangement was instead of paying rent this month, I would buy the materials and pay my husband.
The roof had already received a coat of impermeabilizante (waterproofing), hence the red color, but as there were holes in the cement, a layer of paint wasn’t enough to keep the water out.
First, the roof needed to be swept and the accumulated debris disposed of. The house was not constructed very well. The rainwater pooled at the sides and over the years corroded the roof, leaving it in its current dilapidated condition.
This cement tinaco (water storage container) is at least 20 years old.
Next, the holes in the ceiling were filled in.
Then the chipopote (tar) mixed with gas for easier spreading was applied to the worst spots. It’s possible there will still be one or two minor leaks, but we won’t know until the rainy season arrives in full force.
Finally, the ceiling received another coat of plaster. I wasn’t so worried about the cosmetic appearance, but my husband thought it should at least look passable.
It’s been more work than I imagined getting the place into a comfortable state for working and I’m not finished yet. The bathroom still feels icky and even though we don’t use it for showering, it’d be nice to fix it up a bit. It certainly is better than it was! I have to keep in mind that this isn’t my house though. It doesn’t pay for me to invest in unessential repairs.
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Surviving Mexico 