Before installing the insulation I had placed venting baffles in the ceiling. These are installed to minimize condensation on the insulation.
Venting Baffles
The insulation we opted to go with is natural cotton batting from Bonded Logic. It consists of 85% post-industrial recycled fibers (denim scraps). We're using 3 different R values - R30 for the ceiling, R13 for the walls, and R21 for the floor. The insulation is treated with a non-toxic borate solution that provides Class A fire rating, mold/mildew resistance and pest inhibitor.
The only issue we had early on was cutting the batts. Most people recommended using a utility knife and making repeated cuts. That was just too time consuming and laborious. So Jim and I took a drive to our local lumber/hardware store and came up with the perfect tool - a machete. It worked like a charm. It was like cutting a loaf of bread. We made quick work of any cutting that was needed. The insulation was easy to work with and didn't cause any itching like fiberglass. Wearing glasses and a mask wouldn't be a bad idea as there was quite a bit of fiber dust. Fortunately it was harmless.
Once the insulation was in, you could really tell the difference. The first thing you notice is the sound muffling qualities. It was even possible to talk in the loft and not be heard down below. The second thing we noticed was the ability of the cabin to hold in heat (imagine that).
Cotton batts
Coincidentally, we all wore jeans.
Ooh, it's so soft!
Watch your fingers, daddy.
Machete made in Brasil
So, a good weekend's work yielded a nicely insulated cabin. We're very pleased. Thanks to Jim for coming up from Charlotte to help out. And of course much gratitude to Linda for sending along pumpkin bread and brownies to replenish our energy reserves.
Friday night we all went to Christy's and my favorite new restaurant - Isaacs. We all opted for a meat dish instead of our usual vegetarian. We were comfortable eating the the lamb since they're grass-fed and raised locally without the use of antibiotics.
3 comments:
Hey Rick and Christy - its really coming together!! Somehow the old Neil Diamond song comes to mind "Forever in Blue Jeans".
I notice in your picture showing the purple vents on the roof installed prior to insulation that I can see the top part of the gable end wall. Looks like there is no top plate on top of beveled top cut of the wall studs. When you install some ceiling cover (the straw panels maybe?) how will you fasten the end of the panel (or whatever) at the end toward the gable end wall? Some creative thinking in order to fasten a 2x4 or 2x6 up there? Maybe you've got it figgered out all ready. Looks like a lot of fun!!
Ahh yes! Good observation. I did install 2x4's on each of the gable end walls for the ceiling cover to attach to. For the ceiling, we're going to use what's called chink wood siding. I have to commend you again on your observation. It was something that had been pointed out to me before.
I'll take some photos and upload them in the next day or two.
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