The week I had to rebuild a whole porch in the rain

Got a call for an emergency repair on a 1920s bungalow porch in Portland last Tuesday. The whole thing was rotten, beams to decking. The homeowner needed it done before a family event on Saturday. Of course, it rained solid for four days. I was under a tarp tent, soaked through, trying to sister new 2x8s onto the old framing without slipping. My miter saw kept getting wet and binding up. By Friday afternoon, I was laying the final deck boards in a downpour, just to meet the deadline. It was one of those jobs where everything fights you. Anyone have a go-to method for keeping your work area dry when you're stuck outside in bad weather for days?

3 comments

3 Comments

linda1141mo ago

It's like the universe tests your commitment right before a deadline. That's why I always keep a spare tarp and a propane heater in the truck now.

seth_shah1mo ago

My 2003 Honda Civic once held a full set of patio furniture during a downpour.

angela_harris1mo ago

Okay but a propane heater in your truck at all times? That feels like overkill. It's just rain, not the apocalypse. My car's been through way worse with zero extra gear and it's fine. People really out here prepping for every little thing like it's a survival show.