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The proper specifications for furring strips can vary, so you should always consult the roofing manufacturer's guidelines or your roofer. However, general recommendations are as follows:

• Thickness: Furring strips are typically 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick, meaning standard 1-by or 2-by lumber works well. In areas with extreme winds, a thinner strip may be preferred to limit how much air can get under the roof and cause uplift. A thicker strip can add slightly more insulation but will also increase installation costs.

• Spacing: The recommended spacing for furring strips is between 12 and 24 inches apart on center. Proper spacing is crucial for ensuring good airflow, adequate drainage, noise reduction, and better energy efficiency. The ideal spacing can depend on the roof's pitch and the specific type of metal roofing being installed.

Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.

Walking on any roofing material is dangerous, so you should avoid it if you can, but if the need arises, you should know that you can walk on a concrete tile roof without damaging it. Try to step on the bottom portions of the tile that are supported by the lower layer, and distribute your weight evenly across both feet and hands, if possible.

The roof pitch on a Cape Cod house is normally 8/12 or 10/12, meaning the roof rises 8 to 10 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. This is steeper than the now-standard 6/12 pitch, as Cape Cod homes were originally popular in northern states, where the steeper pitch helped snowfall slide readily off the roof.