A subscriber/reader asks “The fiberglass strips of insulation that you suggest be placed between the logs… I assume those are about 5″ wide (cut from 15″ rolls) is it only one strip between the logs that we would need to use or two (i.e., back to back with the paper sides glued together)?
Thanks for the question….. In a couple of earlier posts we discussed insulating between the logs using rolled insulation that I had cut.* You want to make sure that you do not compress the insulation it should remain fluffy.
I simply cut the insulation with scissors (mind you I wear one of those paper masks when working with insulation and gloves when handling) into strips — the strips I cut are about 2 inches wide usually. But it depends on the size of your logs.
If your logs are 10″ to 12″ then most likely you will be cutting strips of insulation about 2″ wide — the larger the log the slightly larger the strip – slightly. I’m simply filling the space/gap between the exterior and interior chinking.
I am not creating a blanket to cover the top of the log — only a strip that sets on the very top of the log – chinking will be on either side of the insulation.
This is a single strip – I myself tend to separate the paper from the insulation and just use the raw fluffy insulation. I don’t have much need for the paper.
You asked if I “dust the insulation with boric acid once the strip is laid down on top of a log that is about to be topped with another log”…..
First off — the log wall should already be erected — Don’t insulate until you are ready to chink and that isn’t done until after you have built your structure. In a Butt and Pass log home as you are building (the strongest and best method of construction) you will naturally have space between the logs bottom and top log that will vary.
After I have cut the strip to be placed (loosely stuffed between the bottom and top log so that it remains fluffy) I simply toss the strip of insulation into my bucket of boric acid powder and dredge. Think of it like dredging a breast of chicken in flour.
This will give a light dust of boric acid and thats all you need. The boric acid dredged insulating strip will be encapsulated between the logs (top and bottom) and the chinking (interior and exterior).
*The best insulation to use is actually wool. It has great insulation properties. wicks moisture and dries quickly and bugs do not like it. I have used the pink stuff when in a pinch but wool batting is the best.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What do you recommend to repair/fill some areas of log that have damage (maybe dryrot) where there are fairly deep, irregular, visible holes (maybe 10″ x 6″ x 4″deep). I know they need to be filled, but am not sure with what or the best method to use.
Hello Sandy – Did you get my email with my contact information? The answer to this question varies as to where the damaged area is as far as visible – exterior – interior and so on. The first situation is that there is no such thing as dry rot. Dry wood does not rot. so if there is an area that is rotted – you need to figure out how the area got saturated for a period of time that initiated and supported rot to develop. If the area is not dry – is it always dry – or is it getting wet during a storm. – where is the water coming from? if it is a previous situation that has since been resolved and prevented from continuing to get wet as the result of a repair and it is not an insect infestation such as termites then the course of action is a bit easier. There are a number of methods and materials that can be used – however, if you could provide some more information and or photographs I believe that I can help steer you in the right direction. Each situation calls for a different approach and there are a number of factors that we should discuss.
I have emailed you my contact information and look forward to speaking with you about your project and providing you with further information. I emailed you a couple of days ago – but have not heard from you. If you do not wish to call via telephone you may also reach me on skype. My skype screen name is Bearfort.
Hello!
I’d like to invite you to check out Curbly.com – a DIY Design community for people who love where they live. We’re establishing a passionate, creative user-base and drawing more and more traffic every day. We’re trying to engage home-enthusiasts like you and provide a place where people can share ideas and get inspired. Let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Bruno Bornsztein
Co-founder, Curbly.com
http://www.curbly.com/bruno