Through the World Barefooted -- Gerda's LBS Guide

[Rita]

Gerda has done her homework.

1. Read DnJ's post three times to understand it all.
2. After second reading, watch several youtube videos and gain further knowledge.
3. Third reading, beginning to get it but am wondering if you mean, or could mean, a mini split ductless heat exchange unit. From what you said to quash my DIY radiant floor idea, plus what I just researched instead of cleaning up this messy house, that seems like my best bet. I can't afford the ground one but I might be able to do the air one if they offer a payment plan.

If you want to see the three that seemed most relevant, one was called, "How to Insulate a Cabin Roof and Floor" by bailey line. And one was not on youtube but was a website called ecohome and had an article by some university eco institute in your neck of the woods, I think. And one was called Roof Insulation Vented by protrade and really showed the exact process but was a stick frame, not log, so it seemed to leave some stuff I need to know out.

But what do you think of the minisplit system?

Watching these videos I am astonished that I have gone so long without proper insulation. No wonder it's freezing up there! What the heck was I thinking?

Well, I had a little on my mind I guess.

It seems like I should do the roof before I do anything.

But then what do you think of the mini split and going electric with the idea that I will eventually have some solar panels to spin meter backwards?

Also I have a woodstove but I usually keep the heat on at a very low level, like 55, when I am not there, in case of pipes. So I wasn't sure about all this other stuff, though if I move the kitchen as planned (it's not much of a kitchen, only moving the sink is a big deal) so that it's over the basement, the pipes would be running under the house anymore, so maybe no more risk of freezing.

(One day I want to refinish the basement, but that's another tray of brownies.)

About the SIP's, after watching the above videos, I saw that the guy recommended these other things that were kind of like SIP's but less unweildy and costly but with way less R value, though admittedly way more than the current R value of 0. Or -20 maybe. Seems like putting SIP's over my current set up will require a crane and a serious crew but maybe it will be so airtight that it will be worth it?

I still don't totally understand the vapor barrier stuff you are discussing and about which I was reading. The first and third video seemed to give a list of what to use and when/where that made sense but I wasn't sure if you would agree based on what you wrote.

I see you have already polished off the Naimmoonnooomemifeefifofum bars. Would you like some meatloaf and mashed potatoes for this round? We have a lot of work to do today.