Replies

1. 
   MarkH | Aug 06, 2011 01:04pm | #1

   I'd use tin or mobile home skirting, or something else that is solid to close it in.  You'll probably have to bury the bottom or the diggers will get through.

1. 
   myfirstcabin | Aug 08, 2011 09:02am | #6

   Skirting

   Thanks for the information. I have not considered mobile home skirting. However, my cabin is in the Alleghany Mountains with some days sub-zero. Any skirting would have to be placed below the frost line. Thanks again. I am checking it out. Do you have any suggestions?

1. 
   MarkH | Aug 08, 2011 10:29am | #7

   The style of your cabin will dictate what material works best.  Here are a few upscale choices, http://www.mobilehomeadvantage.com/item.cfm/ID/26/  There are some galvanized panels that are pressed to resemble shiny silver blocks, which would work , I like them, but I don't think they have universal appeal. http://www.dmaskirting.com/index_files/ProductInfo.htm

   I don't know how they react to frost heave, that could be a problem.

2. 
   HarryLudke | Aug 06, 2011 03:19pm | #2

   Cabin

   I also have a small 750 sq ft lake cottage built up with cement block pilings. I wanted to insulate the floor and water pipes to extend my season into the Fall. I knew from past experience that loose batt insulation would not work. My solution was to buy a DIY cosed cell foam kit and spray a 1" + layer of foam between my floor joists. It was quite a messy operation and took about 4 hrs., but the end result turned out great. Not only did the closed cell foam provide a R7 or more of insulation , but more importantly it sealed any small crack and crevice eliminating any air movement and eliminated all rodent entry points. 

   I purchase two 600 sq in kits, giving me enough foam. I didn't have to skim and could appy almost 2" of foam in my primary living area. Once it's done you never have to deal with it again. If for some reason you need to break the foam barrier you can reseal with a can of Great Stuff.

1. 
   myfirstcabin | Aug 08, 2011 08:43am | #4

   Foam Insultation

   Thanks for the information. My cabin is in the Alleghany Mountains where R 25 is needed in the floor. I will check to see if the DIY cosed cell foam kit will provide this amount of insulation. Sounds perfect if possible.

3. 
   DanH | Aug 06, 2011 04:26pm | #3

   Chicken wire is not particluarly good for keeping out critters -- something more akin to hardware cloth is much better.

   There is a sort of concrete mobile home skirting that is attractive and should keep the criters out.  Maybe a little more than what you want to spend, though: http://www.stoneskirt.com/pdfs/SS%20Install%20Manual.pdf

   Otherwise, any solid material or rugged/rigid screen that will stand the weather and can be joined without gaps should work.  It needs to be dug in maybe 4" minimum to discourage digging under.

1. 
   myfirstcabin | Aug 08, 2011 08:54am | #5

   Hardware Cloth

   Thanks. I am in the process of trying hardware cloth 1/4 inch square at this time. But never thought of trying StoneSkirt or similar product. I noticed this company is located in MN. My cabin is in the Alleghany Mountains where some winter days are often sub zero. I am wondering if this application needs to be located below the frost line or does it expand and contract during the seasons? Great idea!

1. 
   cussnu2 | Aug 08, 2011 02:35pm | #8

   Hardware cloth put up careful should solve any problem with rodents but it won't d a thing to stop bugs.

   I doubt Bat insulation, exposed such as it is, is really isn't doing that much anyway.  Air moves through it way too easily.

2. 
   aimless | Aug 08, 2011 03:49pm | #9

   A mouse can squeeze through 1/4".

1. 
   myfirstcabin | Aug 09, 2011 11:10am | #11

   Smallest available.

   I have checked around finding only 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Do you know where one can purchase hardware cloth with smaller openings? I puchase mine at Tractor Supply and they did not stock or carry anything smaller. Thanks.

1. 
   DanH | Aug 09, 2011 08:08pm | #13

   I'm thinking it would have to be an awfully small mouse to get through 1/4" hardware cloth.

4. 
   myfirstcabin | Aug 09, 2011 11:04am | #10

   Frost Concerns

   Thanks for your input. Frost and freezing issues are my major concern. I have checked the insulation instructions on the products listed in the links you attached. None indicated any information regarding frost heave. I am also concerned that the seam-system information did not include any specs or information regarding tightness over time. Great information. Thanks again for the links.

1. 
   cussnu2 | Aug 09, 2011 06:00pm | #12

   You could just go with 3/8 CDX plywood and then blow cellulose in.  If you are afraid of exposure (splashback) then use PT cdx but that will double the price.  Bugs and rodents won't like the borax in the cellulose.

2. 
   DanH | Aug 09, 2011 08:14pm | #14

   It would certainly make sense to give the skirting manufacturers a call to ask about frost issues.  StoneSkirt is headquartered about 10 miles from here, and I can assure you that we get "frost" here, so they should have answers.  I would guess the other manufacturers do as well.  StoneSkirt is at 877.248.7456.

3. 
   [email protected] | Aug 09, 2011 08:24pm | #15

   I don't think skirting is a viable solution.

   Chipmunks, mice and other rodents will burrow down quite a ways below the soil surface.  so, you would have to put the skirting or some kind of foundation really deep to keep them out.  And, I mean deep as in several feet.

   You would probably be far better off seling the bottom of the joist bays with something rodent proof.  ACE Hardware lists 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch mesh on their website in varying widths and lengths. 

   I'd get some 3/8, or 1/4-inch mesh and staple it to the bottom of the joist bays, irrespective of what else you do.  We do quite a bit of rodent proofing at work.  Most rodents can get through any space they can fit their head through.  For adult mice that is about the size of a dime.