Log Cabin Build on Off-Grid Homestead |EP25| Insulation + Floor

Log Cabin Building, Homesteading, Bushcraft, Survival Skills, Canadian Wilderness, Off Grid Living, ASMR
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Instagram: @wildhomesteadca
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I left the big city of Toronto to move onto 40-acres of Canadian wilderness with a magical river. I am building an off-grid homestead with multiple log cabins and structures from the timber on the land.
To all my subscribers, STRENGTH AND HONOUR! 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲
JAMES ALOFS

[@RafaelW8]

SER James Alofs, Builder of the Wild Homestead, the First of His Name, Emperor of the Ancient Pines, Protector of the Ontario Realm, Child of Rome, Keeper of Thor's Red Oak, the Survivor of Flames, the Unburnt, the Progenitor of Ten, The Conqueror of Constipation, the Herald of OOGA BOOGA Thank you for blessing us with another video 🙏

[@henrydaniel7004]

W

[@gokedera4999]

New copy pasta 🎉 pog

[@Mickelson1337]

OOGA BOOGA!

[@deepspacenine]

Hear, hear!

[@BaneTrogdor]

LOL 'The Conqueror of Constipation' :D

[@manuelsanchez9881]

Hi James, my name is Manuel, I live in Belgium. I am pleasantly surprised to see that you use sheep's wool for your insulation. I myself have worked for 42 years in a wool washing and processing unit. It’s actually the most ecological one you can find. a very good choice even if the cost is a little higher. continue, I have been following you since the start of your adventure, you have become my Saturday appointment. Have a good week and courage.

[@wildhomestead]

GOOD SIR MANUEL, GREETINGS TO YOU IN BELGIUM, THE BIRTHPLACE OF MY GRANDFATHER! THAT IS SO NICE THAT YOU WORK IN WOOL! ALL FROM SHEEP IN BELGIUM? STRENGTH AND HONOUR TO YOU! 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@JanneRahkola]

@@wildhomestead Sheepwool is great insulation also to use it beetween the logs. I used it in one log cabin beetween the logs but it was then too expensive for roof and floor. Just one thing about your floor construction. Id never use plastic in any log building. There will be moisture cumulating in cold climate somewhere in the insulating layer. That moisture needs to be able to dry. Wool can handle moisture well and it breaths well too. But if you wrap moist wool in plastic..., well try it out. Just my opinion. In any case, I love your show! You have made my day many times bro! My regards from Finland

[@jampako]

​@wildhomestead James I think your bays for the insulation were a little too small. You should never have to fold or deform the insulation. In doing so you are losing R value. The air pockets in the wool are what give it its insulating quality. When it's deformed you lose that.

[@thibautvanoproy8673]

België rep 🦾

[@bergthorjohannesson7819]

​@@jampako ive used icelandic wool both straight of the sheep and processed for clothes and no matter what you do to wool it keeps you insulated! Its the fibers that keep in the heat not air! Thats how down works! Ive sheared thousunds od sheep and fresh wool that still has its fat " lanolin fat " is THE best natural fireproof insulator you can get!! But its not cheap by no means if you get it where its been washed and processed!! But getting it straight from a farmer is quarter of the price :)

[@jksurvivalbushcraft]

Quick tip that was passed down from my grandfather and that I follow for every piece of wood, tool etc. when using boiled linseed oil. 1. Treat once a day for seven days 2. Once a week for a month 3. Once a month for a year 4. Once a year for life. I still have hand tools used by my great grandfather that have been treated this way and they are in perfect shape. Side note. Boiled linseed oil will self combust.. so after using lay your rags out to dry. Do not bag up or through in to trash. Hope this helps. And if you ever need a hand feel free to reach out and I would definitely come up and give you a hand for a week or two. Good luck and keep doing what you are doing!

[@notsudais]

I dont know why, but i am obsessed with the wild homestead videos ❤

[@rosmonk6836]

You don’t need a reason… but so am I! 👍🏼

[@concernedinsider517]

It is the quality, educational and entertainment value.

[@russellbrown6668]

me too

[@tjellis1479]

The hate the ending of ALL these videos

[@quiksilverplaya]

KZbin doesn't always do things the best but your first video being 6 hours old showing up in my recommended is great. Been an amazing 25 episodes keep up the great work and may the old gods and the new continue to bless this build

[@danielmiller5460]

Hey James. I am a red seal carpenter. I really enjoy watching you progress and learn as you go. I mostly keep my comments to myself however with the vapour barrier under the floor it will be impossible to get to afterwards to fix. Your vapour barrier must be on the warm side of the building. Which in your area is the inside of the cabin because of the long heating seasons (winter). If it is on the cold side the poly will be cold and when warm air touches it the vapour in the air will condense into water in your insulation. If you want to research it look up what the dew point is in regards to the insulation and vapour barrier system.

[@BigStickFisheries]

I agree..doing it backwards.plastic on inside typar undneath ..but we can watch him rip it off n redo it next video 🤣

[@jampako]

@@BigStickFisheries he can fix the improperly packed insulation at the same time 😆

[@NickOz]

☝️what he said. 25 years as an engineering technologist in the design and construction industry and my advice is to pull up those floors or you risk mold growth. Oh, and I’m just north of Orillia, so guessing I’m kinda close.

[@adambrenton3614]

Hopefully he reads the comments as he about to have a mold problem from condensation real quick

[@equinsuocha1213]

James you need to read this! Mold can be much worse than any toxins off-gassing from insulation or petrochemical wood finishers!

[@chatpranks9518]

It's probably the only show I now religiously watch on Saturdays. I somehow wish there was more, but we understand this is really hard work

[@jacquelinebonneau5102]

Destination Adventure is a great one also. Northern British Columbia ❤

[@jameschitwood8828]

At the rate you build tell it to the frogs tadpoles LOL

[@nicholaspilon1473]

Cabin-River-Outdoors is also great!

[@dwh7651]

@@nicholaspilon1473 Tyler and Dobby is another.

[@daviddarlingauthor]

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." - Marcus Aurelius I used to live for the night, but now I live for the day. Getting up early to write, and get a jump on my day in an ingrained habit by now. And so is watching your show! I look forward to Saturday mornings, and watching your progress. Ooga Booga! Grats on 100k Subs!

[@philm4148]

Hello James. From my experience, if critters like mice want to get in, they will get in and they can dig deeper than 12 inches in the ground. Sure, do what you can to discourage them, but having cats on your homestead is probably the best thing to do to keep them away, although they may fall prey to bigger animals given your location!

[@BillyBigBaws]

As a Scotsman ,I have rejoiced in yer rendition of “loch lomond” and forgave yer attempts at a Scottish accent, joking aside love yer journey and look forward to see yer progress, all the best fae the best wee country in the world.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@PowerModzOfficial]

Ask your uncle about insulating a floor and vapour barrier, and crushing the batt wool, he wont be happy.

[@user-id6ek4wn5k]

you are no doubt a hard worker, but i would recommend you ask a local carpenter for advice on how to do stuff. the insulation should have been cut more accurate, the "nicer" it looks the bigger insulation effect it will have, and the second thing is that when i was an carpenter apprentice we learned that the plastic should always be on the warm side meaning it should have been put right under your floor not facing the ground. with putting it facing the ground any humidity you might get in your floor cant escape out it will be trapped in the bottom

[@frankd9042]

I was thinking the same thing. You want the barrier on the humid side. Because of the earth below the floor, there will be humidity. But, by leaving the ventilation under the bottom logs, there shouldn't be an excessive accumulation of moisture. In the spring, winter, and fall, there will likely be more humidity inside so I would think that the vapour barrier should go on top of the floor joists rather than underneath. Also, if you spill a gallon of water on the floor (which will happen at some time), it's better to have the barrier over top of the insulation.

[@elrobo3568]

Squashing the insulation subtracts from the R value. The fluffier it is the better it works, and yes cutting it to fit is the way to do it. I also agree with the barrier infy you gave.

[@laurenzucchi5577]

8pm Australia time - time to sit and watch my favourite show!

[@AussieFox69]

Same

[@jacquiewickins2300]

Same here to

[@rainfall5838]

here too!!

[@HuntsmanArt]

Same

[@LighthouseLeatherCo]

Me too!

[@codypryor7974]

Hi James I'm a 20 yr building inspector and you most definately want to remove that vapour barrier as it's supposed to be installed on the warm side of the floor assembly. If you keep it this way you could potentially have mold developing in your floor as warm moist air condensates when it hits the cold air under this floor.

[@wildhomestead]

HELLO GOOD SIR CODY! THANK YOU FOR THE TIP GOOD SIR, CAN YOU RECOMMEND WHAT LAYERS TO PUT ON THE TOP AND THE BOTTOM? WOULD YOU PUT A BREATHABLE TYVEK STYLE LAYER ON BOTTOM THEN A SOLID VAPOUR BARRIER ON TOP JUST BENEATH THE PLYWOOD? SEEMS MY OTHER SOURCES MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECT IN THEIR ADVICE! THANK YOU GOOD SIR! 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@JIM_CANADIAN]

It's just like when you're building walls you have a breathable house wrap on the outside of your studs because the wood needs to breathe then insulation then a vapor barrier on the inside of your studs before putting drywall on same concept on the floor . Also around the edges acoustic sealant works better than tuck tape from vapor barrier to wood. It comes in a caulking like tube. the wire mesh is on the very bottom outside of the breathable fabric like Tyvek . Skirting around the underneath of the logs can be accomplished with pre-treated 2 x6 or 2x8 then backfilled with the gravel. Pre-treated would can be directly in the ground but remember to treat your cut off ends after cutting them with a pre-treatment cut off stain. You can also use the cut off pre-treatment stain on your logs to replace the linseed oil if you choose to and reapply every two to three years. It comes in a few different colors and will fully protect your logs just like decks . Love the show and the craziness a lot of Us wish we had the time and opportunity to do the same so thanks for letting us be a part of what you're doing

[@codypryor7974]

@@wildhomestead I would just install 3/8” plywood on the bottom with 1/8” gaps between the sheets to allow air flow, no air barrier required as the plywood on top provides the air barrier and vapour barrier. Typically the plywood used on top of the joists is tongue and groove which has a vapour permeance less than the min required for a vapour barrier and as such is both the vapour barrier and air barrier. You used regular plywood which has gaps that will allow warm moist air to penetrate the floor. If you decide to redo this remove the plywood and replace it with tongue and groove or install poly on top of the joists before you reinstall the plywood. Honestly a log cabin will be very leaky by nature so building science and the super air tight house built across Canada isn’t what you are after and pretty much impossible to achieve, especially with the gaps around the floor to logs, which is fine for the most part. BTW I have really enjoyed this series and look forward to the upcoming episodes.

[@drcrocodile1]

James, in modern building the vapor barrier is laid beneath the foundation for slab, and right on the ground (often covered with gravel) for crawlspace foundations. This keeps moisture from rising up out of the ground and into your structure. The issue with the way you are doing it is that if you get any moisture from above (from a roof leak, an indoor spill, etc) that water will be trapped in your floor to rot your floor joists, insulation, etc. It's an interesting problem to solve. If you're willing to put gutters on your cabin to route the water away, and if you built on a high spot with good drainage (which every structure should be), it may be worth considering laying your vapor barrier on the ground beneath your floor rather than creating a waterproof floor that will hold water.

[@chivalry4505]

*ATTENTION* I hope you see this! Vapor barrier on the warm side not the cold side!! Example:when framing you install batts inbetween studs, vapor barrier and “acoustic sealant” tar like caulking on all seams/studs to stop air leakage and use tuck tape vapor barrier on seams Oogga booga Keep up the good work!

[@frankd9042]

Good comment. I noticed the lack of acoustic sealant as well. Tuck tape is the bomb, but I'm not sure it should be used in lieu of acoustiseal.

[@MyPete24]

I have to admit that at the beginning of episode one I was very skeptical of you and this endeavor but dude you are fantastic, just doing a great job. Your research and knowledge is very impressive. Well done sir. I look forward to each Saturday morning episode

[@jeb3415]

Even today the thought crossed my mind- is this an actor playing James? Or perhaps James acting for the true builder? 🤔 He’s just too darn likable. 🤣

[@shephardscrook]

Love the support on this channel. I stop watching something else when the notification comes through. 100 views already, but 85 likes. That says everything. Proud to be parts of Alofs' army. (Is that apostrophe in the right place?)

[@adambutler8326]

I agree with Uncle Colin, best practices are best practices for a reason, you don’t know that the ground your on is the same as other log cabins, so you can’t assume what worked for others will work for you

[@HollowInn]

But modern homes are not wood log cabins. Restoration work focuses on recreating old methods to restore the building's original composition. It's the law to do so for historical buildings. You have to consider also the hustle of companies selling new products in the industry over what has worked for hundreds of years.

[@rb3158]

Vapor barrier on the bottom instead of plastic. Then install the plastic on top of the joists to protect the plywood from moisture being trapped. As a rule plastic should be place on the warmest side of insulated space.

[@genlob]

I love the smell of wild homestead in the morning. Smells like victory.

[@deerwoodretreat]

I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.

[@SoCalSurfer69]

Our granddaughter was over and I was watching your video. She is 6 and had so many questions. She really was puzzled about a bathroom so I had to explain the out house. Then in true 6 yr old form asked how do you flush the toilet. 😂😂 thanks for make a moment for us to share.❤❤

[@janevalentine6391]

😅, so cute.

[@MsMorri]

Thank you to the sheep that provided the insulation

[@davidwhite1864]

James I am a Scotsman. Can I just say that your rendition of Loch Lomond was fantastic. So much so that with the power vested in me I now pronounce you Scottish. Ooga McBooga🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦👍

[@myultimatesweat2203]

Make sure you keep your rags used to apply oil in a metal bin away from anything that will burn.. linseed oil rags can spontaneously combust

[@donaldhofman5257]

Absolutely!! A woman that built a log home lost her house that she just completed that way!

[@htb123]

Love that you're using natural products, so many have no idea about how many things offgas or how toxic many things we use are.

[@johnbeach9884]

Glad you prepped those bottom logs. Agree strongly with Uncle Colin. They'll last a lot longer.

[@ncphenom2309]

It’s gravel. It won’t hurt the logs at all.

[@larsandersson4394]

Still need tarpaper between log and fondationstone😊

[@ncphenom2309]

@@larsandersson4394no you don’t. It’s gravel. Tar paper would actually be worse than just dirt. It would trap water between it and the log.

[@johnowens178]

@@ncphenom2309he’s talking about where the logs bear on the stones

[@sorkmine]

Dont forget to add a bottle of booze and another corked bottle containing a note/letter with information about the build/builder. One day, many many years from now this cabin may be torn down and those people will find the note along with the "refreshments".

[@knblmnblmblkjh]

I love how respectfully you are with all the different creatures that you bump into. Keep up the good work!!

[@markdavies4307]

Your Vapour Barrier (plastic) is on the wrong side of the floor Should be on warm side to avoid condensation in the insulation.

[@lpschick7237]

James are very smart, funny & talented. If that half completed floor song & dance doesn’t attrack you a magnificent wife & future 10 babies I don’t know what will. 😂. My Great Grandparents built their homestead back in the late 1800’s down in a holler in a wooded area in SE Ohio. They built on top of a very small stream. My Great Aunt showed us the home back in the late 80’s. We were all shocked when she removed a small section of the kitchen floor. They would use that as their “refrigerator” to keep food cold & have access to water. (Talk about forward thinking) My Great Aunt remembered the house always staying cool because of where they built it. I think it’s amazing you are being mindful & forward thinking about your design & what all you are using as you go. 13 children raised in that home surviving on their own hard work & determination. There was no government assistance back then & even if there was my Great Grandfather never would have accepted it. My Grandfather raised 8 children from the ages of 18 months to 16 years as a single parent working FT. My sweet Grandmother & baby son # 9) passed away during childbirth complications. They were poor & my Dad has shared many stories of growing up, raising 40 meat rabbits for food to survive. You could have a small removable section in the floor to use as your cellar aka “refrigerator”. Just thought I would share the story. Great work….stay safe & glad to see you doing & feeling better. ❤

[@jeb3415]

Thank you for sharing this- what a lovely story.

[@ahti29]

Come on,man.Vapor barrier to the INSIDE,windbarrier to the OUTSIDE. Wintertime.Cold outside.Warm inside.What happens at the point where warm moist air escapes through your insulation and gets trapped behind the vapor barrier?

[@adambrenton3614]

Bring on the mold now

[@dragonsheartforge8035]

Glad someone else picked up on this

[@1400craigger]

Just seen this now !! Mood for sure…. Kinda late now, he’ll have to lift it !

[@mikewood8680]

Love this guy, his crazy sense of humour and the way he pushes through to take his vision to reality.

[@claudiahughes8087]

I couldn't be prouder if you were my own son, and I'm not just talking about the Scottish song and dance. Way to go man. Thanks for bringing us alone. ❤ Boston

[@casmondfrazier3901]

To keep critters out from under the cabin skirt the bottom of cabin with the wire mesh. To cut back on the mosquitoes and bugs use coffee grains and lighter fluid burn it smoldering in a foil pan & let it smolder out & (not the ones u keeping bugs away) just the ones u use after ur coffee in the morning of collect it up so u can use ur coffee grains to help plants & grass & a baby new tree it don't take must for ur plants & grass. My Husband Kirk & I are one of ur biggest fans u r alsome we wish the very best & keep doing what ur doing

[@ahti29]

Not a modern construction methods but pure physics.Old cabins in Estonia,wich is similar climate to Canada,are built on rocks,and between the log and rock a birch bark is used to prevent moisture damage.You seem to be fixated to your vision of Dick's cabin,but trust me,its better to follow physics.

[@teemur76]

I put roofing felt between wood and stone, it should block humidity transfer capillary from stone to wood.

[@sethmargadonna502]

Nothing better than a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning while watching Wild Homestead! Love watching this each week for Boston, MA!

[@wildhomestead]

GOOD SIR SETH, MANY OF MY COUSINS ARE MASSHOLES, AND SOME IN VERMONT. GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS ON THIS SATURDAY MORNING! 🫡🤝⚡️🌲🐺

[@sethmargadonna502]

@@wildhomestead haha too funny! Vermont is beautiful too!

[@rainfall5838]

that river valley is beautiful in winter and absolutely stunning in it's summer greens

[@TM-jl1zd]

I realize this will be too late but you installed your Vapour barrier in the wrong location. The vapour barrier should be on the warm side which would be directly under your sheathing on the interior of the insulation. Where you installed it may result in condensation forming where you don’t want it. Installing a vapour barrier directly over the gravel would be a good idea to prevent moisture from coming up through the ground especially in the spring and summer months.

[@Lsleszynski]

Old saying regarding oil and wood is Once a day for a week Once a week for a month Once a month for a year Once a year then onward

[@gordr8024]

I am Scottish, and I approve the highland dance and song, gid yin sun !! Ooga Boooga, Cheers lad.. Stay safe in these extreme heat days, git some Guinness in ya, it’s not just a drink it’s a meal lad. Freedom!!!!!

[@kengillespiemoncton]

My Saturday morning is now complete! Time to conquer the day!

[@mrwes100]

FYI, there’s a known risk with BLO for spontaneous combustion when your rags are drying. I usually throw mine in my fire pit and just burn them off.

[@whiteysolly6760]

It’s easy sitting on the couch drinking beer and criticizing the the guy who’s actually accomplishing something

[@1400craigger]

We are just trying to help James ! I drink my beers in the shop😂

[@Stevend923]

Every time I see you waking up, the red sleeping bag and you filming out of the tent, I’m waiting to see a black bear casually walking around in shot!! It’s just being a Brit and watching ‘Cocaine Bear’ doesn’t help my unnecessary bear fear.

[@MGE9436]

You are not alone 😂

[@jonathanbrown8471]

Hahaha another bear terrified Brit here too lol! Not just me thinking any minute now and he's gonna be hunted 😅

[@user-fp3ym5lk4y]

Yes, 😄... I have the same thoughts, but even more wenn James is doing his daily 'freshing-up's in the river! Every second I expect a thirsty bear on the riverbanks... wondering how he will be able to protect himself at that moment!

[@MGE9436]

​@user-fp3ym5lk4y he seems so casual about the bear fact. If he meets one at close quarters, Im sure it will change his habits. I always worry one will appear at his cabin entrance when he's inside. No where to go then. He's cornered.

[@terryfuller8724]

Lots of times in the old days they also burned or scorched wood that may be in the ground or on the ground to prevent rotting and to help weather proof.

[@andersduus]

Please redo your insulation, you have crammed it in, that means you will have less insulation in it.. so cut it to size/width then it will insulate better.. Looks like you have 150/200mm and you jammed it to 50mm, meaning you get less from it.. It is the air in it that keeps you heat and cold 🙂

[@wildhomestead]

HELLO GOOD SIR ANDERS, THANKS FOR THE HOT TIPS! OF THE 6 BAYS OF EACH FLOOR, ONLY ONE WAS NOT 16” OC. SO ON EACH HALF OF THE FLOOR THE 14.5” BATTS SIT NICELY IN 5/6 BAYS BUT HAD TO SCRUNCH THEM UP TO FIT 1/6 BAYS. I WILL MAKE SURE TO CUT MY SHEEPS WOOL BATTS IF ANY OF THE BAYS IN THE ROOF ARE NOT 16” OC, I THINK ALMOST ALL OF THEM ARE THOUGH. STRENGTH AND HONOUR TO YOU! 🫡🤝⚡️🌲🐺

[@andersduus]

@@wildhomesteadand nice build 🤩 I am following since the start 🤩 Can’t wait to see the roof done and door in 😄 ps. I hope you will make the door open out from the cabin, to make more space inside? If not please explain in the video of the future door 😅😃

[@eesko2000]

It looks like Most of your batts should have been cut to fit better. It makes a huge difference in the long run. And probably Spray Foam is your only option now, around the perimeter of the floor, where it meets the Log walls. From the bottom on top. Those gaps will let in a lot of cold in the winter. And you should have End Screwed your floor Joists, along with those brackets, for more strength, on the 2nd half of your floor. Live and learn . You’re doing great work ! Enjoy your vids !

[@christinegale3006]

When you finished the first half of the floor & did your little jig, I was rejoicing right along with you. Looks fantastic! Ooga booga!

[@lizgutierrez1785]

Your great attention to details, your tenacity, and imagination are truly commendable. I know very little about constructions, but your cabin can surely withstand our Canadian weather. Good job, James!!

[@shawnbrown4952]

Man, I have to say, I started watching your videos because, city guy building a homestead in the Canadian wilderness, this should be a hoot! Instead, I have been impressed with your abilities at every turn! You may not have all the knowledge that guys that have been building all their life but you research the crap out of everything and only then do you make a decision on how your going to precede. I am totally impressed! Keep doing what you're doing Buddy and I'll keep watching!

[@chrisbaker3335]

Might be too late now but you may want to consider Tyvek on the underside of the floor and the plastic vapor barrier on the top of the floor, tyvek will allow moisture to escape, plastic will prolly trap vapor, condensation, and water in your floor

[@cuthbertdingleberry2325]

Think the main issue with the gravel is the type you’ve used. It has a high particle content, so will retain moisture. Washed aggregate will hold almost 0% moisture. Maybe apply a coat of that on top of the foundation gravel to stop the pesky critters. 👍🏻

[@hesslerk]

James, just a note for future thought, since you installed the vapor barrier on the underside of the floor, make sure you dont install an air tight barrier on the top side or moisture can get trapped in between. Keep up the good work!

[@laurathompson9649]

I totally agree. You should have used a breathable material on the underside of the floor so you don't trap condensation. James, there is a great resource book online put out by Ontario Natural Resources called "Keeping in the Heat". Check it out and remember....vapour barrier should always be on the warm side 😊

[@twngrl1625]

House wrap would of work also 😊

[@ncphenom2309]

@@laurathompson9649that is not correct. He has the vapor barrier on the correct side. If he had it on top the condensation would accumulate on the bottom of it and then get the insulation wet. Where it is now it will just go into the ground if it even collects any. It probably won’t as the wool will keep it well insulated from any heat. You have to be careful giving advice out

[@TM-jl1zd]

@@ncphenom2309I agree, you should be careful giving advice. Vapour barrier should be installed on the warm side of insulation. Where you are suggesting would be the cold side which is not correct. For an air barrier you would be correct but not vapour barrier.

[@maficstudios]

@@ncphenom2309 When it's below freezing outside, any moisture from the inside that makes it to that vapor barrier will condense, and ultimately pool, increasing the chance for mold. But given that the inside of the cabin isn't likely to be conditioned, it will almost *always* be cooler below. Thus, pool of water all the time. The only saving grace is that warm/moist is not likely to go down.

[@user-hd7sf4yq5r]

I hope you’re proud of what you are creating. The cabin, the lifestyle, the YT income. All of it. I especially like that you’re not afraid to un-build and do over when it’s not quite right. You are building something that will last longer than you but will always be yours. Keep up the good work!

[@PavlovsBob]

Over 117k subs already. Wild Homestead is a youtube rocket ship! The cabin is looking fantastic. Ooga booga to you, good Sir! Strength and honor!

[@monksons]

I have finally caught up on the videos and you will be over 100k subscribers by the next video! Awesome job my man!!!

[@stephengibson100]

We use Terra Lana Insulation here in Aotearoa-New Zealand. It’s a natural wool product and works brilliantly in our home. Highly recommend wool insulation.

[@eduardom800]

Stairs to the river, and a doc I think are nice proyects. Will make your life bit more confortable. Thanks for sharing!!

[@maritza6337]

I don't know what I love more, your work or your histrionics. You have made me laugh to tears with your "Christmas miracle" 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂. God bless you!

[@johne.hilbert2046]

The base logs on Dicks cabin have been replaced, (at least once that I'm aware of video online) perhaps even more often. Soak the end cuts really good., end grain wicks the most moisture. *you're doing great!!!!!

[@adambutler8326]

First time working on a site at 16, I had to install some rockwall and the guy I was working for didn’t tell me to wear gloves. Spent a good week with itchy arms

[@wildhomestead]

GOOD SIR BUTLER, A WHOLE 7-DAYS WITH ITCHY ARMS? MY GOODNESS. DEFINITELY SOME WEIRD CHEMS IN THAT ROCKWOOL. AND THE WEBSITE AND THE PACKAGING DO NOT GIVE THE INGREDIENTS LIST! STRENGTH AND HONOUR MY FRIEND 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@tomhollowell1270]

Rockwool is fireproof and rodent resistant. I prefer it to fiberglass

[@Jester-1024]

@@wildhomestead Its actually the fine fibers that make up rockwool rather than any chemicals. Similar to handling fiberglass.

[@Vickyscampingobsession]

Great info on the wool insulation. I was pleasantly surprised that it’s not more expensive than the regular batts. Usually everything less toxic and better for us is so much more expensive!

[@trollpatsch666]

About the Insulation. Your should maybe Check Out Cellulose Fiber. It is made from Paper and Wood Fibers. Its "Natural" non Toxic and Fire aproved. Its easier to install becaus you can easy dump it betwen the Beams and dont need to cut it in size. Or you can Blow it in Hollow spaces.

[@wenzel7401]

You have to put that metal mesh around the outside of the cabin. Critters are going to love making a home under it. tack it to the bottom timber then down to the ground bent and run out about a foot flat then cover it with your gravel. You won’t like it when Mr skunk moves in.

[@GReimerGaming]

13:18 I’m not sure that’s a Gartner Snake. From my encounters with them they are traditionally more black and white with some distinct yellowish/white-ish lines going down their backs. Unless you have a different variant in your area. There are a bunch of those types. It might be a Queen Snake though. They have a wide habitat range and can be found in your area of the world. Also nothing to worry about.

[@frid4y212]

Idea for the underfloor airflow: lay 1 or 2 inch pvc pipes along the bottom of the wall all the way around. Put mesh over the ends and secure with a metal band clamp, pack gravel around the pipe and against the bottom of the walls.

[@michastahl6303]

Dick Pronackes cabin has had some of the bottom logs replaced by the caretakers over the years due to rot. Just an FYI. I saw the caretaker talking about it on a video. Keep up the awesome work

[@PierreDuranleau-wx7fq]

The 🐑 wool insulation is a nice touch. The cabin is looking good!

[@petersmith9]

Beleive you uncle. I have a 50 year old log cabin near you. Logs are white pine and originally untreated. The eaves were too short and rain splash and spring snow melt caused the base logs to rot. I had to jack up the worst ones and replace them. Keep as much moisture off the logs as possible through guttters, ground slopes etc. You will find the linseed oil treatment needs frequesnt refreshing.

[@paulbennett1881]

Great channel, great mission and long term plan, and a very genuine guy - a real character. Just the sort of KZbin content that we need.

[@Bearsnake_life]

Amazing. Loving the progress. Remember to stay hydrated in the heat.

[@magnusruud7255]

Ooga booga

[@lisalupin1202]

Thank you for another great episode. I love your reduction of chemicals that you use.

[@eriksusenbeth9045]

Youre doing a great job! Living my dream through you! Greetz from Germany

[@worksleepwork]

the idea of the moisture barrier is to prevent the surplus of water in the inside air to get to the theoretical point of condensation (usually located within the insulation material). putting the moisture barrier outside of the insulation not only defeats its purpose, it will allow the inside moisture to flow freely to condensate on the cold moisture barrier with nowhere to run off. its not about not letting moisture in, its about not letting the inside moisture (warm air holds more water) to the theoretical point of condensation inside the insulation where the moisture would fall out of the air as condensate. moisture barrier allways to the inside of the insulation.

[@wildhomestead]

HELLO GOOD SIR, THANKS FOR THE HOT TIPS! I WAS GIVEN ADVICE THAT PUTTING ONE BARRIER ON THE BOTTOM WOULD KEEP MOISTURE OUT OF BELOW, AND BY HAVING NO BARRIERS ON TOP OTHER THAN PLYWOOD AND EVENTUAL TONGUE AND GROOVE FLOORING, ANY MOISTURE COULD ALWAYS BREATHE UP. IF THAT METHOD IS NOT CORRECT, WHAT BREATHABLE (TYVEK-LIKE) OR NON-BREATHABLE BARRIERS WOULD YOU PLACE ON THE BOTTOM AND TOP OF SUCH A FLOOR? MANY THANKS 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@worksleepwork]

​@@wildhomestead as you removed the gravel to allow air-flow there should be no need to barrier the bottom as it is not sitting directly on the ground. the wool will (if wet) dry off naturally but where should the moisture come from? under the cabin should be well protected from rain and snow and if you dont allow the warm and moist air from the inside to get into the wool the water present from the outside air will/can not condensate. here in switzerland we say "wasser das steht, das bauwerk vergeht, wasser das geht, das bauwerk besteht." meaning that sitting water with no escape route will destroy your building, water that is allowed to quickly and properly dry off will usually not cause damage. HOWEVER what i am doing right now (commenting on your video and drinking a beer or two) is infinitely less difficult than what you are doing so maybe have a quick talk with your crazy uncle bevore putting together a action plan based on a comment of a drunkard on the other side of the planet. love your videos!

[@worksleepwork]

this is how we do it (looked at the floor layers from the side): zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@user-bk1kk9tl9b]

Crazy! I recently built a floor in a stone room in our cabin and did it the same way! Great minds (ha ha) Have a good week!

[@rebeccasiegal7824]

James, thank you! For a whole bunch of stuff - but mostly for sharing your life with all of us. You've developed a huge following so fast! I need a clothing line with a pic of Thor's Red Oak & Ooga Booga under it! Be safe!

[@BeeeZucca]

Ooga booga! We are camping up your way this weekend but nothing to stop us from watching! Starlink to the rescue! (I posted this comment before I saw you got your starlink! Looks like it came to both of our rescues!) hope you made it through the heatwave ok!

[@johnbeck845]

Buddy, you’re killing it!!! OOGA BOOGA!! 💪🇺🇸

[@marijnboumans3102]

Love the videos, I look forward to them every Saturday! You're living the dream

[@kristiannewell2130]

3am west coast oooooga booooooga

[@jayolson578]

Yes James, Shawn and Dick did place their cabins on gravel but here is the difference. Dick loaded hundreds of buckets of lake shore gravel that had been washed and no dirt mixed with the gravel and Shawn used similar gravel as you did but he treated all his below ground and ground contact logs by using Shou Sugi Ban “fire treated” logs. Plus Shawn’s property is sandy which allows rapid drainage. Your cabin is looking great, just don’t won’t to see your hard work be for nothing.

[@eileencarroll6418]

TIDY! Happy St. John's Eve!

[@dylanholmes1985]

Keep up the good work, young warrior

[@timwo1f]

You need to visit Trier and do a Roman Histrory Vlog when you are done with your Cabin!

[@noahbarnes7988]

“It’s stinking hot out here”. Me, sitting outside while watching this in 100f, 38c heat…”I couldn’t agree more!”

[@joe-annesmyth716]

100 k subs in 25 episodes is amazing!!! Proud to say I’m here since episode 1 😊

[@BenSquares]

Good progress, great work. Oiling some logs is good. Best show rn hands down. 🤙👍

[@rozell2820]

You are so close to 100k subs. Congratulations brother.

[@leej5704]

James, you can’t ask a wife to abseil down to the river. Some civilised steps are in order! Love the Chanel. Family favourite here in the UK.

[@wildhomestead]

GOOD FAMILY IN THE UK! ABSEIL! NOW THAT IS A GREAT WORD! STRENGTH AND HONOUR TO YOU ALL! CIVILIZATION ARRIVING IMMINENTLY! 😁🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@JustifiedAncient]

Yes, yes. That’s what I’ve been waiting for. Showing your joy (floor 50% complete) through the medium of dance 🕺Oooga Booga

[@bernardc9726]

You know you are getting in touch with nature when you start gazing at the full moon through the trees. I am just catching on that you are keeping it as natural, non toxic, ecological, as possible. Respect that. I would do the same. It’s going to give the cabin a better “vibe”, and will be healthier to live in overall. Starting to see your vision. Looks good. Take care.

[@CarnoDane]

YEEEESSSSSS....... The worst things about these videos are the ADS that interrupt it.

[@elizabethbarrow2879]

KZbin premium will help with that , best app subscription I ever signed up for

[@CarnoDane]

How much is it

[@kimpedersen]

which ads? I've never seen a YT ad (firefox and uBlock origin addon)

[@Kitty11508]

The worst thing for me is when the episode ends and we’re all here waiting for the next one

[@elizabethbarrow2879]

@@CarnoDane UK price is £12.99

[@kiridaymond85]

Also, like other commentors have said to you, Rip up those floor boards and start again as you need to have the vapour barrier immediately under the floor boards. Where you have it will create a space above the plastic where mould will grow. Live and learn buddy.

[@dwaynebrazeaux3084]

A couple of tips: 1) as others have said, your vapor barrier should be on the warm side (inside) otherwise you will have pools of water sitting on top of your vapor barrier. 2) Some of the insulation is a little to wide between your floor joists. It should just be a snug fit. If it's buckling when you put it in, it compresses it and it will lose some R-Value. To remove the vapor barrier from the bottom, lift out the insulation and cut out the vapor barrier, then install your insulation and vapor barrier on top. This way you don't have to remove anything from the bottom.

[@wildhomestead]

HELLO GOOD SIR DWAYNE, THANK YOU FOR THE HOT TIP! OTHERS HAVE ALSO SUGGESTED REPLACING THE POLY MOISTURE BARRIER ON THE BOTTOM WITH BREATHABLE TYVEK LAYER (IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE POLY MOISTURE BARRIER ON THE TOP). DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT? 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@user-fp3ym5lk4y]

One question : how to keep the insulation at place? I guess, it will fall down on the soil after a while (vibrations, gravity, ...). 🤔

[@dwaynebrazeaux3084]

@@wildhomestead It wouldn't hurt to install Tyvek (it's used to reduce air and water leaks on the outside of a house), however, you would have to lift the floor up and remove the wire mesh to get it under the wire mesh. If you put it over the wire, the mice will probably chew it up defeating the purpose of it. For your application, it would be to reduce air drafts and moisture from the ground which can make the floor cold in the winter. So it depends how much work you want to do. If you want to install it properly, lift the floor and remove the mesh, then install the Tyvek and the mesh again...OR install it from the top so you don't have to remove the wire mesh. I can think of 2 ways to do this: 1) you could lift out the insulation and cut the Tyvek to fit in between the joists (drop it over the wire mesh) and use some Tuck Tape to attach it to the insides of the joists to create a seal. 2) lift out the insulation and just lay it over the joists and mesh from the top (no cutting the Tyvek to fit between the joists). Then drop in your insulation, and then vapor barrier. Either way, you should ensure water does not get under the floor from outside. So you will want to make sure rain water drains away from the cabin.

[@dwaynebrazeaux3084]

@@user-fp3ym5lk4y The wire mesh will hold it in place.

[@TheMadManPlace]

Getting the floor installed is a major milestone - big congratulations there James. At this rate you are going to have a fully dried in cabin before the cold arrives where you are. And maybe you should think about putting out feelers for a snowmobile at a good price. Not to forget that the new lumber mill is also going to be a game changer...

[@user-ul4xu5xy9w]

Saturday afternoon beer, week of night shifts done and now time for everyone’s favourite log cabin. Equilibrium has been restored🍺

[@johnjenderseck9152]

Really enjoy your journey, look forward to each Saturdays episode, wish I was 40 years younger,keep up the good work

[@theradiation7420]

I love your show. It’s the one thing I look forward to watching every week! Thanks for the entertainment.

[@danieloliver20]

Allowing air circulation below the floor is the way to go! Also sounds like you have a plan to keep the critters out... BTW James, OOGA BOOGA! ⚒️🪚