A 1950s Rambler Goes Solar
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025It all began with a leaky roof. Don and Pat Vasatka, of Eagan, Minnesota, have owned their classic 1950s rambler-style home for 40 years. They experienced snow build-up and ice dams that caused leaks, which were threatening the integrity of their home. The couple, who raised their two sons in the home, take environmental stewardship seriously. So, they had been reading up on more energy-efficient approaches to solving their roof problems. They were looking for solutions that wouldn't just fix the roof, but provide them with clean and zero-cost electrical power for the decades to come.
"At first, we knew we had to fix the roof, but we were thinking about how to re-roof while putting in a lot more insulation, says Don Vasatka. They considered adding solar to power their electricity. "We were wondering how to put it all together."
The couple consulted with four companies on how to address the ice dam and leakage issues. Many of those companies were only interested in increasing the insulation in the roof and enhancing airflow in the attic, Don explains. But the problem area was the roof above the vaulted area of their home. "Over the years, heavy snow had resulted in large ice dams, which caused water to back up inside the ceiling and drip down inside the kitchen walls." In addition, the roof had limited ventilation and inadequate insulation.
At the same time, they asked about solar. Their roof was not that old, "but it would cost an additional $3,000 (minimum) if we installed the solar and then had to take it off, should other fixes not address the ice dam problem," Don adds. After discussing several options with Applied Energy Innovations in Minneapolis, they decided to approach the roof with a holistic, step-by-step approach.
First, they removed the old insulation. Then, they installed seven inches of polyurethane spray foam insulation, bringing the roof's R-value to 50.
Table of Contents
- Test Driving the Tech
- Lessons Learned
- Homeowner Recommendations
Several components of the new roof help keep it leak-free:
- New air chutes on the north side of the house from the eaves to the roof ridge;
- Air seals around all attic venting and plumbing penetrations; and
- An ice and water shield 12 feet from the eave
They covered the roof in laminate shingles. Solar was on the horizon, but not quite yet. First, they needed to test drive—literally—some new technology to move into a new comfort zone, so they bought a Prius.
Test Driving the Tech
"We're not early adopters of technology," Don admits. "We want things to be well-proven and to have the bugs worked out. But because we do what we can on behalf of the environment, and we wanted to save money on gas, we bought a Prius. It was our first step. It made us comfortable that new electrical technologies can work easily and properly." Four years later, they bought an all-electric Nissan Leaf. "Having those electric cars led us to solar panels for the house," he adds.
Both of their sons now power their homes with solar. The couple is known in the neighborhood as "the solar house." As Don says, "The choice was really about the environment, and we wanted to decrease pollution and have a positive impact." Adds Pat: "It's good for people to see neighbors using and enjoy energy-saving technologies like solar panels. We'll talk to anyone who walks by!"
Camille LeFevre
Camille LeFevre is an architecture and design writer based in the Twin Cities.
