So-what are my options? What would you suggest?
Seems we have pretty well come to the conclusion that it is best to do it afterward in most situations - due to rain - water - problems working etc.
Some like something added under to keep critters out. and insulation up.
They were tearing down 3 houses next to each other near me. They all had screen porches. I was thinking about using the screen and stapling it to the floor joists. Unfortunately, when I went back it was in the dumptruck (the 3 houses on top of it).
1/8" pegboard works to hold it in place and keep most critters out.
Rodents can and will chew thru ordinary metal window screen, plastic is useless. Hardware cloth works but the cost is considerably more. FYI, deer mice, common in the SW and a carrier of hantavirus, can squeeze thru a 1/4" hole. :o
http://www.nps.gov/public_health/inter/info/general/NPS_RP_Manual_v2.pdf
This is a great document on rodents, by the National Park Service. They're not trying to sell you anything, just good info. (I'll put this under Referral Links as well.)
I gather that's true of most mice--that they can get through unbelievably small holes.
Been awhile since I've been on here and for those that know me, you know I don't work for Icynene, just happen to be a huge fan of the stuff.
Actually, I have Icynene being sprayed in my new house today, if they make it as planned. I contracted to have it sprayed under my floor up to 3 inches. Not so much for the insulation value as for the attempt to completely seal up the house. I have used it previously in the attic and outside walls with great success but, this will be a first for underfloor. I don't believe 'critters' will attempt to penetrate it but, that remains to be seen.
Yes, it will be expensive, much more so than the other ideas thrown out in the above posts. I just believe it will pay for itself over time and this house will be my retirement home in a couple more years, the last I hope to ever build!
Okie Bob
Glad to see you drop in again, BoB. I think we will make you the Icynene poster boy.
Don't forget the pix if you get a chance. :)
Glenn, you asked for pics and I can't figure how to download them as part of a message when the sizes are too big for this forum. So, I down loaded a few pics of the latest Icynene installation that took place last week. Pics are from inside the house taken last Sunday morning during a torrential downpour. One of many we've had this spring!
http://www.bobdanaslakehouse.blogspot.com/
Hope this works.
PS: I also included a picture of an installed 'studer' valve...can anyone find it?
Okie Bob
Checked and that doesn't work
try
http://www.bobdanaslakehouse.blogspot.com/
I took the liberty of correcting your URL, BoB, so we could see your pictures.
BoB, listen to me closely now and I'll let you in on a little secret. :-?
Computers are like women. They only want to hear exactly what they want to hear exactly the way they want to hear it. If you tell it to them that way you will get what you want. Mess it up and it's nothing for you. :)
Sorry about that ladies, I was trying to teach BoB about computers. ::)
Glenn, you da man..and thanks for the help. And you know about women too? Are you kin to God? I didn't know any human could know all that stuff...you definately are da man!
Tanks ma frien,
Okie Bob
Anything for a friend, BoB, anything for a friend. :)
If the thought of crawling under traditional itchy insulation doesn't sound like fun, consider this alternative
http://www.bondedlogic.com/ultratouch.htm
made from factory denim scraps -- sold mostly as a "green" product, in smaller houses, the cost difference shouldn't be much.
This is my plan...