Does a cabin built with SIPs need a mechanical ventilation system?
AmeliaDLLC
| Posted in General Questions on
I am designing a small cabin to be built on a remote island in Northern Wisconsin. The cabin will only be used from May to October. I intend to build with SIPs but the cabin will not have any mechanical ventilation or heating systems as the only power available is a small solar system that powers a water pump.
When the cabin is shut up for the winter is there likely to be a problem with condensation due to the lack of ventilation? If this is the case, what could be done to mitigate the problem, i.e. passive ventilation solutions.
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Replies
Gowen,
An off-grid cabin that will only be used from May to October does not need a mechanical ventilation system. If the house smells stuffy, open a few windows.
Any seasonal cabin can smell stuffy or develop a little mold when it is closed up. My guess is that you can minimize problems by leaving a couple of windows cracked over the winter. If you are worried about squirrels or chipmunks gaining access to your house during the winter, you should install hardware cloth over your windows.
When you arrive in May, you can open up the windows and air the place out. Clean up any mold, and you'll be ready for another summer season.
By the way, in northern Wisconsin, you'll probably appreciate some space heat in October. Are you planning to install a wood stove?
Yes, I was intending to have a wood stove. I have been advised to get one with an outside air intake. Is that necessary/recommended? Thanks
Gowen,
If I were you, I would skip the outdoor air intake. If your wood stove draws poorly when it is first lit -- if it back-puffs -- you can crack open a nearby window. Once the wood stove is burning well, close the window.
Others disagree with this advice. For more on the issue, see All About Wood Stoves.
Not mentioned is hot water.... will you be boiling the water for baths, etc on the stove or using a propane heater?
SIPS if properly sealed can be very tight... back drafting a water heater - because you forgot to open a window when using the wood stove is very bad.