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keystone
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# Posted: 19 Jan 2021 11:07pm
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Hi everyone, has anyone tried retro-fitting an older cabin with insulation? My cabin is a frame structure, and I’m pretty sure is basically a frame, with outer siding and inner wall paneling that sits on a rock foundation. There is a crawl space underneath it. My main concern with putting insulation in is avoiding attracting rodents, which have been a problem in the past in the crawl spaces and some bats in the roof. Is the ceiling the most important thing to insulate? Does any of that window tape insulation stuff actually work? Underneath we basically have floor joists and the floor on top. Maybe just staple some insulation boards under the floor in the crawl space? I’m sure I can just tear off the wall panels and throw in some insulation, but I’ve never really done any kind of insulation work so any tips/tricks would be appreciated.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 20 Jan 2021 06:20am
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You need to start by keeping the rodents out. They will have a literal field day with almost any insulation sold on the market.
Spray foam is good for the bottom of an existing floor.
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Aklogcabin
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# Posted: 20 Jan 2021 10:43am
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Sure you can. You should seal up any holes as you go to prevent critters from entering. Roof with ventilation highest priority. Foam in floor joists or sheet over non ridged insulation.
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spencerin
Member
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# Posted: 20 Jan 2021 01:52pm
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You need to find out where the rodents are coming in and then plug it up. After that, have at it.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 20 Jan 2021 01:58pm
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Spray Foam is great BUT is a PITA to do properly and requires seriously good prep work to prevent a cleanup disaster.
Foam Sheets are really good but a nightmare to "press fit" into cavities of an existing structure, and will require good spray foam to fill any & all gaps.
* I use Sheet Foam, ISO 3.5" & 4.0" thick as well as 5.25" thick HD-EPS-II in the walls and 4" thick XPS for my slab foundation and in my window/door headers. NONE RETAIL PRODUCT.
BATT insulation:
Fiberglass is the worst ! retains moisture & wicks it. Rodents & bugs are not bothered by it and will make their nests in it. This stuff also settles a bit overtime and can end up leaving gaps and spaces, plus wit rodents tunneling in it can really kill teh insulation values.
RockWool / Roxul is the best for Batts. Hydrophobic, cannot retain moisture now wick it. Bugs do NOT like it, pricks through their shells. Rodents also hate it for the same reason as the bugs. It also expands a bit when installed and will not sag down if the proper sizes are used. Easy to work with and no"itchies" for humans.
Anyone who has opened up walls with Fiberglass batts in a house that is 20+ years old can attest to the dark spots, black mould and rodent tunnels. I won't mention bug carcasses beyond this.
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