Down with the Roof
Today, the existing roof of our soon-to-be kitchen (formerly known as the tejaban) is coming down. The old French terracotta tiles that sat for years, baking in the sun, are being lowered to the ground, three at a time in a white bucket.
The tejas (terracotta roof tiles) almost completely removed.
Once down, each tile will be hand cleaned and stored until it can be re-fitted on the restored roof.
The tejas stacked and ready to be cleaned.
While dismantling the roof, we finally had a chance to inspect the rafters. We learned they are made from pine.
Pine is a relatively new wood in the Yucatán, having made its appearance in the region around 20 or 30 years ago once transportation routes were established connecting places like Oaxaca (where pine is grown) with Mérida.
Although the introduction of pine brought cheap wood into the market, it also brought major headaches to those who purchased it. Pine is soft and adored by termites. Whenever it is used, it’s only a matter of time (a few years at most) before termites announce themselves by boring holes in the wood.
The tejaban before the start of construction (the black lines streaking down from the roof on the right are termite tracks).
The tejas completely removed.
The presence of pine in our tejaban means that either the beams and doors were completely redone 20 or so years ago, or the tejaban itself was added during that time.
Whatever the story, we finally have confirmation that we cannot salvage the existing beams. They will have to go in favor of new beams made of termite-resistant hardwood like Pucte or Machiche. Although more money up front, removing the welcome mat from such pests is the only way to go.
