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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Flooring
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bhebby
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 13:35
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I didnt insulate my floor and I am kind kicking myself for not. I also have not put down my flooring. I am debating on what to use but I was going to use linoleum or similar for an easy sweep up. Does anyone know if an Insulated linoleum product? I know cork is a good natural insulator but its pricey. Thanks

Rifraf
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 13:44 - Edited by: Rifraf
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what kind of foundation is this ? is there no way to insulate under the floor at all ?

I personally dont have any solid data in regards to what material to use as your flooring.. ive heard cork insulates some but its not very thick, or perhaps a nice thick carpet with a thick pad under it ?

bhebby
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 14:27
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no I can get under there and insulate it still. I was trying to kill 2 birds with one stone and not do it. What would you recommend for underfloor joist insulation?Something the critter wont chew on?

MtnDon
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 16:10
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There is nothing I know of that will add much insulation value to a floor.

If there is no way to go underneath then it has to be done from the top. EPS or XPS rigid foam caould be applied with a second layer of at least 3/4" subfloor over than. Long screws down through the foam and screwed in the floor joists would be needed. hard to place, but it can be done. With a thick enough second subfloor the foam can easily support any weight applied. Foam is used under poured concrete slabs.

Two layers of foam with staggered seams.

Not ideal, but better than nothing.... If the interior is completed it means removing everything, all base cabinets, counters, fixtures like toilets, etc.

Rifraf
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 16:18 - Edited by: Rifraf
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no I can get under there and insulate it still. I was trying to kill 2 birds with one stone


Sometimes it may be better to use two stones :)
If it were me I would get under there and toss up some real insulation. Seems easier than the alternatives

Martian
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 17:32
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I don't know where your cabin is, but we have been down to single digits here, and my uninsulated floor hasn't been a problem. There is skirting around the foundation, though. Even when I get up at night and walk around barefooted, the plywood floors aren't cold. I may add some insulation this summer to help keep down the A/C cost if the floors transmit too much heat, though. A warm floor is like having radiant floor heating. While the A/C is running, that doesn't seem desirable.

Tom

wakeslayer
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 17:42
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Our floor in our A-frame is not insulated. We get cold there occasionally, but for the most part the snow insulates around the cabin. I still kick myself for not realizing until after the fact that it was never done. I can get to about 2/3 of the underside, crawling on my back. I keep putting it off. It would be a massive pain in the rear. One of those things that is on the list, but may well never get done.

If you can do it, I would highly recommend you do so. It is cheap and the lady's feet will appreciate it come winter time.

johng
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 17:51
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Roxul insulation would be a great choice. Read the benefits, makes it a no brainer.
If your local Lowes doesn't carry it they can get it.

Montanan
Member
# Posted: 14 Feb 2012 23:25
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Quoting: wakeslayer
I still kick myself for not realizing until after the fact that it was never done. I can get to about 2/3 of the underside, crawling on my back. I keep putting it off. It would be a massive pain in the rear. One of those things that is on the list, but may well never get done.


Same thing here! But, like Martian, it really doesn't seem cold. We have skirting and that has helped a quite a bit. We just have a foam moisture barrier and pine planks over plywood subfloor.

Martian
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2012 08:33
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Quoting: Montanan
like Martian, it really doesn't seem cold


I attribute this to the wood stove and ceiling fan. One provides the heat and the other makes sure it gets to the floor.

Tom

AYP1909
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2012 10:04
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Rugs.

Martian
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2012 10:38
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Quoting: AYP1909
Rugs



Inside dogs! And a slushy yard. No rugs! :)

DaJTCHA
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2012 11:40
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The "Shed Mahal's" floor is at the same stage as yours. The entire structure is elevated substantially off the ground on 6" diameter cedar posts. We've got 3/4" TG OSB flooring layed down and I've got enough 3/4" solid maple flooring to finish the first floor nicely. The decision I've been exploring is some of the insulated vapor barriers that are offered. We plan on painting the underside of the osb this spring (it is high enough of the ground that it won't be a problem to get to all the spots we need to paint) and then install the flooring as well. I've read that the vapor barrier that lowe's sells for $50 / 100 square foot has good acoustic properties as well as a R value of 2.9 or so. We'll likely go that route. I had considered the skirting, but I like the added storage area under the shed for ladders and the lumber we've yet to utilize.

DaJTCHA
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2012 11:49 - Edited by: DaJTCHA
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Here's a photo of my project:

Trout Camp - Shed Mahal

fthurber
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2012 18:22
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Quoting: johng

Roxul insulation would be a great choice. Read the benefits, makes it a no brainer.
If your local Lowes doesn't carry it they can get it.

I would be very careful of using stone wool. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_wool#Safety_of_material

Remember that asbestos is made of stone also. I assume that stone wool is a lot safer but why not use natural materials such as cork?

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