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Thread: In the process of converting barn into a house

  1. #1

    In the process of converting barn into a house

    I've been in the process of converting a barn into a house for the last couple of years. I do some of the renovations and sometimes I pay a professional to do phases of the project.
    The project is taking time because I'm only doing it in small phases. I refuse to go into debt for anything.
    I've learned a lot along the way. There is also the pride factor and looking at something and knowing that I did that. Also the whole I had a vision in my mind and I made it a reality aspect.
    With all of that being said I am by no means an expert. I'm always talking to people trying to learn stuff or watching youtube videos.
    I am still a ways from the project being completed.
    As cliche as it sounds this project has been all about the process and not the outcome.
    Here is where I'm at in the project right now:



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  3. #2
    Thats a pretty cool project !
    How long have you been working on it ?

  4. #3
    Kewl!Please keep us informed on your progress.
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  5. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by luctor-et-emergo View Post
    Thats a pretty cool project !
    How long have you been working on it ?
    I started working on it in February 2011.

  6. #5
    what type of HVAC system are you looking at?
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein

    "for I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson.

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by HVACTech View Post
    what type of HVAC system are you looking at?
    This is my furnace:
    http://m.globalindustrial.com/m/p/hv...92kw-31400-btu

    For cooling I open a window and turn on ceiling fans. I also have a portable air conditioner that I use when it gets really hot.

  8. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by HVACTech View Post
    what type of HVAC system are you looking at?
    This is really important since you foamed!

    Sealing an old structure can (and often does) cause moisture issues that remain hidden until things are really bad...

    Do yourself a favor and consult with a knowledgeable indoor air specialist.

    Cool project!

  9. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by tod evans View Post
    This is really important since you foamed!

    Sealing an old structure can (and often does) cause moisture issues that remain hidden until things are really bad...

    Do yourself a favor and consult with a knowledgeable indoor air specialist.

    Cool project!
    This structure was gutted before it was spray foamed.
    Unlike other types of insulation spray foam is mold resistant. With spray foam there are no spaces and gaps for moisture to accumulate and grow.
    Thanks for the advice, but I wasted a year of my life studying HVAC in community college and almost another year as a tech. So I'll take my chances and not consult a "knowledgeable indoor air specialist."



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  11. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by mtr1979 View Post
    This structure was gutted before it was spray foamed.
    Unlike other types of insulation spray foam is mold resistant. With spray foam there are no spaces and gaps for moisture to accumulate and grow.
    Thanks for the advice, but I wasted a year of my life studying HVAC in community college and almost another year as a tech. So I'll take my chances and not consult a "knowledgeable indoor air specialist."
    Best of luck with it!

    I've been in the trades well over 30 years and chose to not use any of the better ideas on my own dwelling.

    Structures need to breath, yours might have enough air exchanges and suitable flow?

    Just trying to be helpful, I've seen lots of trouble in foamed buildings over the years...

  12. #10
    I'm ridiculously impressed.

  13. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by mtr1979 View Post
    This is my furnace:
    http://m.globalindustrial.com/m/p/hv...92kw-31400-btu

    For cooling I open a window and turn on ceiling fans. I also have a portable air conditioner that I use when it gets really hot.
    good choice for the application. try to position it like you would for a fireplace.

    in the middle and "shining" towards the point of entry.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein

    "for I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson.

  14. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by tod evans View Post
    Best of luck with it!

    I've been in the trades well over 30 years and chose to not use any of the better ideas on my own dwelling.

    Structures need to breath, yours might have enough air exchanges and suitable flow?

    Just trying to be helpful, I've seen lots of trouble in foamed buildings over the years...
    Thanks for looking out for me. I'm not trying to be a jerk. You are correct structures do need a certain amount of air exchanges. If a house is sealed to tightly there will be issues down the road: sick building syndrome.
    I'm just used to dealing with guys in the trades that repeat information they are told and never do their own research.
    The HVAC field has a problem with guys who just change parts. That's why I will steer clear of so called indoor air specialist.
    But what do I know I got out of HVAC because I didn't get it? Put a 4' x 4' wiring diagram or alerton controls in front of me and I'm lost.

  15. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by HVACTech View Post
    good choice for the application. try to position it like you would for a fireplace.

    in the middle and "shining" towards the point of entry.
    I'm personally a bit surprised that he'd choose this over a wood-burning stove.

  16. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by amy31416 View Post
    I'm personally a bit surprised that he'd choose this over a wood-burning stove.
    Insurance rates go up for wood burning stoves.
    I also want no flashing points through my roof because that is where most leaks occur.
    Another option would be to have the wood burner go out of the side of the house, but then it has to go up and go over the peak of the roof so many feet. I don't know the code specifications off the top of my head I think it is in the IMC. This would not look good aesthetically.

  17. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by mtr1979 View Post
    This structure was gutted before it was spray foamed.
    Unlike other types of insulation spray foam is mold resistant. With spray foam there are no spaces and gaps for moisture to accumulate and grow.
    Thanks for the advice, but I wasted a year of my life studying HVAC in community college and almost another year as a tech. So I'll take my chances and not consult a "knowledgeable indoor air specialist."
    aww, hell. I did not know that.
    I don't do residential or light commercial for a living. I started HVAC back in the early 80's.
    back then.. there were no stinkin "college" courses or "licenses"

    in todays world. HVAC is one of very few occupations where you can live as a freeman.
    I am a cooling specialist.
    cooling and service is where the money is.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein

    "for I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson.

  18. #16
    I built my chimney into the house, in that the chimney walls are part of the "outside" wall. So, yes, it exits the basement wall and up (on a tee) and is about 24' in height. The formula for the height above the roof has to do with the distance from the roof line. I think it is something like 2 feet above the highest point of the roof within 10' feet away (you'd have to look it up to be sure).

    edit: The reason that I made the chimney inside/outside is so that the chimney stays somewhat warm when not in use, then there is less danger of back feeding while lighting and getting the stove started. I also get warmth from the chimney itself as a bonus.
    Last edited by ClydeCoulter; 10-29-2014 at 09:43 PM.
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  20. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by mtr1979 View Post
    Put a 4' x 4' wiring diagram or alerton controls in front of me and I'm lost.
    I can help with that. a "wiring diagram" or even a schematic is like a map.
    neither one will help you out. if you do not know where you are. or are trying to get to.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein

    "for I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson.

  21. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by HVACTech View Post
    I can help with that. a "wiring diagram" or even a schematic is like a map.
    neither one will help you out. if you do not know where you are. or are trying to get to.
    I had numerous people try to help me. People have different abilities. I'm being honest with myself I don't have the ability to be an HVAC tech. Mad respect to anyone that can do anything beyond the residential level.

  22. #19



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