Insulating a Japanese House, Part 1 | Abandoned House Renovation

[@MrCoolAttitude]

This is one of my favourite long running projects on youtube. It's always a pleasure seeing this channel pop in my feed.

[@TokyoLlama]

Happy to hear it - and it's definitely a long running project!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Absolutely, I agree. I have the same reaction. 🙂🐿❤️🌈

[@PowerSynopsis]

I've been watching him from the start and have loved it. It'll be a bittersweet day when he decides his home is finished.

[@emanon9642]

I love this content too. Do you have recommendations on any other content like this? It doesn't have to be japanese related.

[@MrCoolAttitude]

@@emanon9642 It really depends on your likes. I'm into crafts and woodworking so my favourite long running project channel is "Advoko Makes". He does stuff that I won't ever attempt but it's quite interesting. Sometimes videos take quite a while though.

[@_spartan11796]

I can’t imagine the sense of accomplishment you will have when this is all done. Best of luck!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much! Looking forward to the day when I can say “finished”.

[@TokyoLlama]

@@bobrobrudolf1243 thanks you! How do you you keep your house warm?

[@Rockmaster867]

@@TokyoLlama If I learned something living in a house built by my grandfather in the 70s. With a house you are never "finished" ;)

[@nulnoh219]

It's never going to be "done". It's a hobby now isn't it.

[@heuhen]

@@Rockmaster867 with old houses, when you think you are done, you suddenly decide to redo something you did in the past. The never ending project

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

that thermal camera was your smartest move, bro.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, need to do another video with it.

[@kennethbolton951]

One of the silver linings (excuse the pun) is that you will have a very complete record of everything you have done including materials used, difficulties and solutions. Invaluable for future projects, maintenance and repairs. For us it is invaluable as your mistakes don't become our mistakes. Thanks.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries! That’s very true as I’ve referred back to my videos a few times to check to see how something was done when planning a new project.

[@Dohlenblick]

One really does get a sense in these videos that you put the same meticulousness into what work goes on behind the camera, as with in front of it. Superb editing, videography and narration.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you very much! I do enjoy the process of both the house and making the videos.

[@wewerecamerashy5190]

Yes, but why that ghastly loud music in parts?🙃

[@777rogerf]

@@wewerecamerashy5190 In my humble opinion, when you are not talking, no music would be better and, when not talking Traditional Japanese music would be sp appropriate and you should have access to recordings and advice in what genres would be effective and affordable, maybe free.

[@Anil18834]

What a wonderful struck of luck to have found a house from the 80s built in the traditional style. You own a jewel of a house and are preserving it beautifully while bringing it into the XXI century.

[@OurHouseInJapan]

I'm about to start the insulation process on my 150 year old minka in Nagano. This past summer I re-insulated the kitchen using rock wool .... after removing a foot and a half of straw, dirt, and dust, which was i guess the insulation of the day. Great timing for this video! Cheers!

[@TokyoLlama]

Nice! What are you planning to do with your roof? I'm thinking rock wool or the Earth Wool, perhaps Neoma foam, keep changing my mind!

[@OurHouseInJapan]

@@TokyoLlama I'll do the inside cielings with rock wool and make that as tight as possible for now ( baby steps to retain heat). in time maybe put layer on layer. When it comes time to do the inside of the thatched roof, I really don't know. There is a nice part of the old house where I can reclaim a large room with exposed beams... the question is how many beams do I wish to expose vs. how insulated do I want to make it. A friend of mine did a similar reclamation and used beautiful pink fiberglass and finished with gypse. It seems to make sense for the uneven surface ... but seeing you work with the neoma foam looks so satisfying! I'm just getting started and loving it. I can't wait to hear about your windows, double pane glass sounds like a dream!

[@TokyoLlama]

@@OurHouseInJapan sounds great. Same here with the exposed beams but I’m going with beauty over practicality, so we’ll expose the all of the beams in the attic. In regards to the windows I found that the custom wooden windows are not much more expensive than custom sized hybrid ones. If off-the-shelf sized windows fit your openings that’s the cheapest way though.

[@sandracarli1110]

I live in Austria and Minka here is the name people give to a cow or cat. 😅

[@SeraphusInferis]

DUDE. Just shy of 500 bucks for proper insulation? That's a steal, mate. Really good work, by the way; I've insulated a couple attics, and you did that really well; a pro would probably charge well over a thousand (USD) for that job, and you nailed it for half to a quarter of the price! Keep it up!

[@leelulady2010]

Looks great! My only concern is the pot lights. Here in the US you'd probably have a code requiring a cover (hat, if you will) to protect the insulation from directly touching it & causing a fire.

[@wfelixluck]

This was my immediate concern, as well.

[@davidscott3953]

Most likely LED lighting and thus not rally an issue. Old incandescent bulbs and or transformers got much hotter

[@spacemansabs]

he even shows on the fixture that it says not to cover it. And with google translate it seems to say do not cover with wood as there is a risk of fire. Not sure why he highlights this label if he goes on to cover the fixture anyway.

[@rsmith02]

Yes, I'd think you would just build a simple box over it so it's not in direct contact with insulation.

[@josephlai9759]

Thank you for sharing your project. You explained the original 'drafty' design of old Japanese houses very well and showed how you make sure that there are sufficient ventilation gaps between the newly installed insulation layer and the inner wooden wall to allow for air flow so as to avoid moisture retention and potential wood rot on the inside of the house. It also made me think about the different insulation wools you mentioned. I found there is a potential health hazard with glass wool if not handled properly. The comments contributed by your viewers were enlightening too, especially the electrical fixtures on your ceiling and the potential fire hazard with regards to contact with insulation material.

[@markhenderson4435]

I look forward over time to the heating/cooling efficiency comparison that I just know you already have a plan to do in each season!!!!

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, I put smart thermostats on the outside and inside of house last year, recording the temperatures so can do a comparison over time!

[@5chevin5]

My house in Ibaraki was 8 years old when I bought it last year, a newish home by Japanese standards. Still cold in the winter and supposedly has more than average insulation, but under the house is very sparse. Once I heat it its fine, but those early mornings are chilly. We have double pane windows and the engawa heats up nicely on those bright winter days. It certainly is something to consider here in Japan when buying a home, but as with everything there are work arounds and solutions.

[@TokyoLlama]

I'll have to upgrade the underfloor insulation at some point unfortunately. Wish I knew more when the carpenters were working on the floor as I would have been more demanding, and saved a whole lot of work down the track.

[@deborahf3738]

You'll be a master carpenter by the time you finish the house. This is the neatest insulation job I have ever seen. Looks fantastic.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@Patraquashe]

The house really has come a long way since you started years back. Even as a viewer I feel a sense of pride in where it is at today. Great work!

[@janicebraden7961]

I’m enjoying the videos very much. When i lived in Japan in the 1980s it seemed such a shame so many beautiful places were being torn down so great to see its turning around. My question is why are you insulating both the ceiling of your boys room as well as the roof? when I renovate here in Canada, a knee wall area would be either/or. You want a continuous insulated envelope but in a cold place you don’t want to trap the air outside the sealed envelope (say in a knee wall area in a sloped roof) because you will get mold. Some heat will always escape from the boy’s ceiling into that space and it is moist.

[@TroelsDenLux]

Nice to get an update of the house! If you plan on using more of the blue foamboards in the future, maybe you should look into an electric hot knife or hot wire cutter. Looks like it was a struggle to cut through. Thats what we used to make architecture models with in university (don't know if it is common to use in building constructions). Anyway, just a tip:) and don't forget a respirator-mask or something. Those fumes are not pleasant!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much - yes, it was a bit of a struggle cutting through the foam, will check out the tools you mentioned!

[@heuhen]

@@TokyoLlama jigsaw is also a good contender to it. And something you can also use on many other projects.

[@TokyoLlama]

@@heuhen I’ve got a jigsaw, the problem was finding a 75mm blade!

[@heuhen]

@@TokyoLlama I see that

[@heuhen]

@@TokyoLlama Take and check "bayonet saw" the question will be then, do you need it for just some insulation work.

[@tikeyike]

I know nothing about renovating houses, but I love watching your videos.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@Jesterttv]

Haven't looked at you in a while, finally something good to start the day. For 200k subscribers you make videos like a high end channel. Probs!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks a lot - appreciate it!

[@izabela.wilson]

Is always nice to see your updates! We're all rooting for you. Cheers from Brazil!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, appreciate the support!

[@heuhen]

I always love to watch other people renovating houses, since I have done that in Norway. And since I have done renovating house before, there is always times where I go: "oh, I wouldn't do that!" It is also very fun to watch how different people around the world do things. For example cables in the walls, In USA they just put normal cable inside with the isolation. While in Norway we put an vapor barrier between the isolation and the inner room, and build a little out for air flow and cable management, where we put cables inside flexible-pipes, to prevent fire/damage/electrocution/ and ease of maintenance (replacing cables). If it was in Norway, with our high difference between inside and outside temperature, we would for example on the ceiling put down a vapor barrier and then isolation (not those in bags).

[@TokyoLlama]

When the electrician came in to replace the lights I asked him about keeping the wires outside the insulation and he said it was okay, but it was something I wondered about. In terms of vapour barriers seems the Japanese generally feel the bags are sufficient!

[@lokin88]

This is the home renovation project that I've been following since the beginning and I love seeing everything you've accomplished. Congratulations and a giant hug from the other end of the world Chile.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much for watching for so long!

[@thagemizer]

Living in a place where we have cold winters, it's very satisfying to see lots of insulation being installed. I bet your house will be a lot more cosy next winter!!

[@NAMI-xl5og]

With the added insulation, assuming you utilize a vapour barrier system, you will have changed the dynamics of the sit flow throughout your attic. One way to increase the flow of air at a small cost is to utilize “Roof Turbine Vents” which will pull a lot of air through your space, which will keep the areas moisture free. Just a though. Love your home and what you’ve accomplished. Excited for more content.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, I’m thinking of something like that, particularly once we insulate the roof.

[@untokyo]

Really my favorite channel on KZbin . Thank you and have a smooth " ending" on the project.

[@465maltbie]

That is a lot of work. But it will be worthwhile in the end.

[@TokyoLlama]

I hope so! Got to be done.

[@tehinanama8341]

Awesome work insulating, it's so interesting about the things to think about when insulating a traditional Japanese home like yours, really cool. Love your videos and seeing the progress! Your boys should be nice and warm in their room for winter!

[@Affrayer]

Ive been following along since the very first video and these are by far the most inspiring, wholesome, beautiful, and soul satisfying videos to watch. Such a treat whenever a new update comes along

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@Jordan-inJapan]

I’ve been waiting for this kind of content from you! My own house project wrapped up over a year ago now, and I kind of miss the whole process. Looking forward to seeing the rest!. (Oh, and I appreciated that snowy shot too. We don’t get much of it down here in Mie.) 🍻

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Jordan, jealous you’ve finished already. Haven’t had any snow so far this winter but saw some on the forecast for next week.

[@shiromochi-kun]

Better not to finish too fast or you might run out of content!

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@shiromochi-kun Haha I was thinking the same thing. (That’s my experience. 😆)

[@TokyoLlama]

@@shiromochi-kun I don’t think I’m in danger of finishing too fast!

[@heuhen]

@@Jordan-inJapan My experience with old houses, when you are finish renovating it, is that you suddenly decide to redo something you did in the past

[@rsmith02]

I think you are the first renovator I've seen for homes in Japan that takes thermal bridging seriously. I'm looking at vapor permeable 透湿シート housewrap for a job myself to get the wind barrier without trapping moisture anywhere.

[@solarbirdyz]

YAY! You're back!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, that's good to know it's probably going to be worth it!

[@66meikou]

As an architect, who has a particular interest in Japan, it's culture and traditional architecture, I'm envious. As I practice Japanese carpentry in my spare time, the thought of being able to find and move into and renovate an a old abandoned house would be my dream.

[@deepdude4719]

8 million Akiya houses available in rural Japan in 2023.

[@TokyoLlama]

There will be more and more available, just hope that not too many get knocked down.

[@RealRuralJapan]

Another great video Jaya. It is a balancing act in these old houses when it comes to insulation. The house needs to breathe and it is also needs to retain heat. There is no perfect solution it is what it is with these kominkas.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks mate, notice the cameo of your house in the video?

[@RealRuralJapan]

Yeah the old girl still looks the same 😂

[@rsmith02]

Houses don't need to breathe, you just need to control where moisture goes.

[@RealRuralJapan]

@@rsmith02 These houses do.

[@hunterfly1399]

0:59 window flushings. u need to add rubber on bottom, or in any rain it will sound like death metal. no matter what it made from

[@y4nusz]

After seeing how your house develop from the first video (i found you somewhere on 3rd one) Im so impressed on your progress :D. So happy that it's going well without much trouble. Can't wait for next vid.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks a lot of for watching for so long! Still a long way to go - will try to get the next vid up sooner rather than later.

[@rolandbrown3084]

I definitely feel your pain. My wife and I currently live in Kyoto prefecture and received a lot of snow this winter. Our house has a traditional house with no insulation or double glazed windows. The wind pours through and we cannot retain heat. My wife and I actually have chosen to move into my company provided apartment just to stay warm also, to save on the electric bill, which last month was more than I have ever spent in my life on electricity.

[@MrFredscrap]

Man that amount of work makes me just wanna spray-foam the whole thing haha

[@TokyoLlama]

It would be easier...

[@scotty6435]

Instead of just insulating, using some air gap sealing tape would be hugely effective. Any air gaps even in the ceiling will lead to a lot of heat loss that can't be mitigated with fibreglass insulation

[@Wezqu]

Well the only thing I would have done there as extra would have build some walkways over the insulation. Its just if you ever need to go to the space with the insulation to do or check something. It makes so much easier to have at least a narrow walkway that you can use without worrying about the insulation itself or where you can step. Like if he ever needed to run some new wires or something for lamps and such would make that way easier.

[@nekkidnora]

I'm so used to seeing XPS board used as a crafting material for miniature landscape etc that I was genuinely startled to see it used for insulation, which made me laugh. I guess it shows what kind of stuff I watch/do on a regular basis.

[@trafferz]

Thank you for the R value conversion. I wondered how the R value for insulation here could be so low. Now I get it. Appreciated.

[@erikpeterson778]

Is it wise to put insulation directly on the downlights? A short can cause a fire. I suppose they are LED so there is very little heat but I would still put a metal cup or something on top of the connections.

[@TokyoLlama]

These lights are rated for insulation to be placed directly over (probably should have showed it in more detail), whereas the old ones I replaced weren't.

[@akiyajapan]

Insulation....the bane of my house. Kudos to you for getting it done and also giving an accurate account in USD, instead of the lazy man's "100 yen is $1" nonsense. 😂

[@ironichumorist]

very clever solutions. i like how you use you shop vac to clean the floors and wall cavities after cutting and before installing the insulation panels. a contractor would not be so tidy. its a good job. this is a timely project too. it seems we may have some -6 degree days next week. be warm!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks. I got that from watching the Japanese carpenters, always vacuuming as they went along. Yes, looking a bit chilly in a few days!

[@glennmcgee1729]

As always, nicely done. I have a mental picture of a smiling wife noticing a warmer, less drafty home. Must admit the earth wool is something I never heard of, interesting.

[@lindalangy4714]

I discovered your channel only a couple a weeks ago, and I've binged all the videos. They're amazing! Keep up the good work - love from Norway

[@TokyoLlama]

Great, thanks for watching!

[@rosiosilva1551]

Sir I believe your slowly turning into Bob the Builder, the hard hat just solidified my belief. 😅🤣 No but really I love watching your videos and I always get excited when one of your videos pops up on my feed. Good luck on your future projects in your lovely home. Cheers from Houston,Texas, USA!!

[@technologymusings2376]

When the video started, I thought "oh no, he's going to install insulation against the wall and slowly rot out this beautiful house", but kudos to you for considering the building science aspect and leaving the air channels. As others have said, it's been a pleasure to watch this come together. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.

[@nalorim]

You have really invested so much in that house. I like to follow your house project, it's really enjoyable. Thanks

[@Toobst8ker]

I thought I saw you around Tokyo. I am glad to see the continuation of the series. I would really love to watch your video on windows. Looking forward to that. We might consider buying an old house and renovating like yourself.

[@RareSeldas]

I'm very excited whenever you upload a new video. I love seeing renovation work like this.

[@TokyoLlama]

Awesome! Thanks very much.

[@danielchadney1666]

That's probably the best insulation job I have ever seen done, Good job planning doing this during winter, When I did this in my attic as a kid it was summer (not smart).

[@TokyoLlama]

I did most of the work just as winter was starting. Definitely couldn't do it during the summer!

[@Traff92]

As a fellow Aussie who is soon migrating to Japan, this series is amazing. Exactly the kind of project I want in my future.

[@walkingstick6655]

I've been following you for years, since you bought the house. In all of your projects, you not only put in a great deal of effort, but also a great deal of thought and consideration. I eagerly await new videos.

[@Nobe_Oddy]

I ha d NO IDEA there was a small "crawl space" between the 1st floor and the attic.... I never really understood how you were able to have that small office space, and just assumed it was because there was a lower ceiling in one of the areas.... but I didn't put to much thought into it all until now..... I think it's a GREAT SPACE to have just for storage!!! BUT you would need to put down some plywood before storing anything of weight in there... - - The old style of houses NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME!!!! And it seems like I'm constantly discovering something new about them LOL THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHANNEL!! I have learned SO MUCH about my FAVORITE style of houses!!!! :D

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, i probably should have done a 3d drawing of how the house is laid out as it’s quite complicated - maybe in part 2. On the other side of the office I’m thinking of making some storage space like you’ve suggested.

[@abelperez437]

oh man im so glad youre still going with your renovation and that its going well. my wife and i actually got ours finished in kyoto. im not trying to show off because thats not my nature i just happened to run into your video after a year since i saw the last one and got reminded of our journey. we were lucky to find one that was smaller than your home and most of the frame wasnt as screwed up from neglect so it meant less work. fortunately her parents have enough money to help us which in turn sped things up and turns out we both like living out there. unfortunately we are still tied up wo the city since i "teach" and she works from home so we live half in the city and half in the country side. eventually we will completely move there when we start a family and more savings but for now we enjoy it half the year

[@coutopraze]

You're doing an excellent job! You'll end up with 200mm mineral wool laid over the ceilings wich is a huge improvement, check if you're happy with your heat losses after this. Here in the UK 270mm mineral wool is pretty standard to achieve the minimum U values required by building regs for new houses (0.16). It's quite a high standard to be fair but if you want to go above and beyond maybe in the future you can install a 3rd 100mm layer and bump it up to 300mm insulation! Best of luck, can't wait for the next video!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, I'll see how it goes but hoping since it's going to be an internal ceiling space once the roof is done it will be sufficient.

[@rsmith02]

Rock wool is also good for sound deadening which is a bonus!

[@jameshickling2641]

Great to see a new video mate. I cant imagine how cold it must be in those old houses.

[@poelmeister]

Good jobu! :) The house wrap was a smart move. The key to insulating this place is to create a vapor barrier between the old wood/structure and your living spaces. Should you seal everything up, you would just create a new problem. This seems like a very smart insulation strategy.

[@rsmith02]

Not sure why you'd want a vapor barrier vs an air barrier. Keep the conditioned air in the conditioned space but let any errant moisture find its way out. Look up smart membranes, vapor permeable housewrap, etc.

[@stephenfreeman8617]

Jays, You know a video has good content when you watch it several times☝️All your videos seem to be meticulously researched , edited and delivered to a high standard. Did you get much video of the ceilings being fitted and lowered? Can’t remember a video of it. There must be loads of work in Japan just dropping ceilings in these old properties. Look forward to the window video. 👏

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Stephen, I didn't get much footage of them doing the ceiling as at that time I was only coming to the site once a day or so, so missed a lot of stuff. Wish I had more to refer to as I'm going to do a dropped ceiling on the main roof.

[@NadNadja]

I love how is turning up. But I want more videos lol. The house is just lovely.

[@RoboPhobia69]

such a mammoth job you have undertaken, mate! Doing us Aussies proud over there, keep striving your are an inspiration!

[@davidbiddle3257]

Also, very smart to clean, first, before installation.

[@waylonhartwell]

Quick tip on cutting insulation use a serrated bread knife it cuts through it just like a real tough loaf of bread but you can get some nice precision. I would suggest buying a separate knife for it and not using it for food afterwards

[@avacadoes4853]

Thank your for your time and effort to make the videos. They are pure joy to us at home. I

[@davidbiddle3257]

The house wrap is a very smart idea!

[@jeanhawken4482]

Looks terrific. You have maintained the original beauty and utilised new technologies to demonstrate how these beautiful buildings can be preserved. So comfy

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@DanIsNotHome]

Watching you lay out that insulation on the ceiling was extremely satisfying

[@reid1356]

Babe wake up new Tokyo Llama video

[@dennisshaw7153]

I was just thinking about you and BOOM there you are!

[@yeetusmcjesus1596]

Love checking in every so often.

[@catinthehat906]

If you want to prevent convective looping and significantly increase the performance of that glass wool, a thin layer of foil wrap insulation rolled over the top is a very quick and easy job. It will also reflect heat in the summer and stop the room below getting too warm.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely do this on the second floor ceiling.

[@rsmith02]

​@@TokyoLlamaDon't add a radiant barrier. It traps moisture and will do nothing if installed on a floor as dust makes it non-reflective. It would have to be at the roof level with an air gap. You already have air leaks at the ceiling plane and need that air to be able to get out. If it were me I would have more carefully airsealed the floor and made boxes above the lights. Read GreenBuilding Advisor for more on radiant barriers and insulation.

[@TokyoLlama]

@@rsmith02 Yeah, I'm planning to put a radiant barrier below the roof with the air gap. I considered properly air sealing the first floor ceilings but didn't think it was feasible for the whole house and regardless, once the second floor is finished it won't matter so much.

[@spacemansabs]

you should get a hot wire cutter for that XPS foam. you can get hobby ones or make your own. Zero dust.

[@aletsirualenin184]

Im happy that Tokyo llama is back 🙂👍

[@cristoballedesma3203]

Always a good day when you put up a video

[@Roheryn100]

Thank you for the update. You’ve explained many of the puzzling questions I have had about Japanese domestic architecture.

[@meaww7373]

Selamat tahun baru Jaya and family. Insulation is the best way forward. Thermal board and glass wool...are the best for insulation. Our loft is using the thermal insulation board and then plasterboard.. Warm during winter.. definitely.... Worth the effort. 🙏🙏👍

[@victor-2566]

The only youtuber I have notifications on. Great work!

[@TokyoLlama]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@Mrshoujo]

Seems like you'd need motorized roof sealing vents to shut the air leaks up during the winter and be able to open them in the summer.

[@jamesthepuerilis]

I always get excited to see what you've done with the house, I love the old Japanese style buildings and you've really done a wonderful job of updating the house while not ruining the original look, i wish you and your family all the best of luck

[@abelgerli]

I thankfully found a reinforced baseball cap to protect my head when working in the framework in my house. I am super interested in the new sliding doors we do have triple glass windows here in Germany. Great windows but the glass weight is ridiculous, my door to the balcony has a weight of 220kg.

[@jerrytrueblue]

Hey Jaya: Nice to see you "Feathering your Nest". Good time to insulate.... the cool season. Cheers Jerry in Everett Ontario

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Jerry!

[@karewatoday]

great job on this one - so much work you did / I'm interested in woodworking, but I wouldn't be able to do this on my own/amazing

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks - it’s not so difficult once you get started!

[@michaelcherry8952]

Great! Another video from you is always welcome. I have to say, given the climate in Japan in summer, the traditional building system made a lot of sense. It really is easier to warm up than cool down, especially in a humid climate. That being said, improving the insulation is a no-brainer and you have come up with some pretty creative solutions to retrofit it into a traditional house. It's a lot of work, but you strike me as someone who enjoys challenges and problem solving. I wonder if some form of attic fan system might help with the airflow in the summer. Probably not one big fan, but strategically placed smaller ones, maybe linked to temperature/humidity sensors. Thank you for yet another interesting and informative video. I really enjoy how hard you work to keep the aesthetic of the traditional Japanese home, yet make it work for the 21st century.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Michael. We're definitely on the same page here. Especially once the roof is insulated I think we may need some sort of fan to get the air moving, especially on still days. Love the idea of sensors to automate the process!

[@1misticointolerante]

Aislar la casa lo es todo en ahorro de energías... Y de paso....evitas la torsión de los paneles de yeso y plywood... 👌👌

[@burnavillage]

Mate I really enjoy your videos, keep up the great work! Both with the house and the videos!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks mate for the super thanks - really appreciate it! Glad you’re liking the videos.

[@SirBasil]

Ganbatte! I know house renovation is hard because I'm helping my parents with it, but I look forward to more videos!

[@RyJones]

The furring walls look great. Interesting to see work on a Japanese house to fix the same problems as every American house I ever worked on.

[@TokyoLlama]

Nice, I imagine wood houses have the same issues everywhere.

[@BeardyBaldyBob]

I find myself very often looking at Japanese abandoned houses online. There are a few crackers I've seen that if I had the money would love to go for. There is a lovely big place that also has a sake brewery building and about 6 acres of forest land that is about an hour outside Kyoto I saw last week that was beautiful! Already has an offer on it and I'm not surprised.

[@tengdeguzman2949]

When i discovered your channel, i think a year ago .. i also binged watch.. soo amazing! Always exited when ever you post one. Good work and good job! Keep it up and God Bless!

[@sebellehorres5311]

moss is a good natural insulation, you could try it in the wood gasp in the celing from outside

[@junkogreene5644]

Thanks so much for taking us through this meticulous process. 25 years ago when we bought an old house, there was absolutely no one amongst the people we consulted who would put in insulation--because of the mold and rot issues you've mentioned. Nowadays all of the machiya and farmhouse remodelers are using it. I heard from someone who is in a heritage temple family that constant climate control will definitely damage the wood. He gave an example of a beautiful 150-year-old kura which had been renovated into an airtight apartment. Within 10 years, massive splits appeared on the huge main beams. It seems like the system you've designed to allow for air flow on the outer walls could be a great solution to maintain a balance of air circulation and climate control. (I'd still be checking those areas regularly to make sure though, lol!). Enjoy a warm cozy winter this year!!

[@deepdude4719]

So what you mean is that these old houses are not designed to be climate controlled houses like modern houses? Did I get it right?

[@junkogreene5644]

@@deepdude4719 Yes, that's what I've been told. Making a traditional building airtight can cause mold and rot. In addition, climate control (such as in the renovated kura mentioned above) can decrease humidity so much that the beams split. But nowadays, people tend to insulate heavily and put in climate control systems, so maybe they've figured out how to make it work? Insulating around some rooms but keeping the outer walls exposed to air flow seems like it could be a good solution. Looking forward to hearing how it's going from Tokyo Llama! Having a warm house in winter would be a dream come true. My house is absolutely freezing, lol.

[@deepdude4719]

@@junkogreene5644 Thank you for taking the time to reply. I had the feeling that something like this could happen. It is no accidental these homes last for over 150 years in the way they were kept. Good Architecture takes in consideration too many factors and make them harmoniously to give longevity to the buildings. Thank you again for your reply. I wish you warm winters no matter what.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Junko, the issues you've mentioned are definitely a concern so I did put quite a lot of thought into it. One thing that only appears to be starting to come to Japan is air exchange systems, so if making the house more air tight, need replacement air and also humidify/dehumidfy if necessary. I'm planning on putting in an air exchange system if we find the house does reach a certain degree of air-tightedness (is that a word?)

[@lucianocoutinho3625]

Hey man! I love your videos Your house is amazing and every video improves a lot Please don't abandon us on KZbin.... :):):):):) I miss this a lot

[@catalinajofre5689]

You're a handy man. Congratulations on your progress, i've been loving to see this journey :)

[@catalinajofre5689]

also, i hope you dind't hurt your back in the process, it looks unconfortable. Take care :)

[@grizzfan08]

The house is really coming along. I bet you can't wait for those new windows to be installed. Hopefully you'll be able to "feel" the results of upgrading the home's insulation soon. Keep it up!!!

[@bobwatson957]

Hi Tokyo Llama, hows it going. Its good to see you. I thought you had finished your refurbishmen project t but it great to see the old house getting insulated, finallty. That insulation board for the walls is really decent, similar to the Kingspan here in the uk. Really good R rating. It nice to the loft floors getting a good thickness of insulation. That will help in the winter. I heard it gets really cold in Japan over the winter. You and you family notice the difference once the whole place is done. It amazing how effective the stuff is.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Bob, winter where I live is pretty similar to the winter in London. Looking forward to completing the insulation as it is pretty chilly.

[@foundinjapan]

Thank you very much for the video. I have been going back and watching several of the older videos because I am going to be moving to a 1990s family style home later in the year here in Osaka. We are trying to plan out what we can do and what need to pay someone else to do. I really want to do insolation and new windows. Please keep up the good work and look forward to a new video soon.

[@MrTheSmook]

So excited to see a video pop up again, Jaya. Really enjoy all yoir insights! I watch the series wiyh my parner and always do a silly dance on the drum intro. Keep it up!

[@TokyoLlama]

Nice! I forgot all about the drum intro this video!

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Those foam or styrofoam insulation boards are great to use as a cutting surface, too.

[@caroline4323]

These are such beautiful houses... I am in awe here...

[@justbruh1823]

I was so happy when I saw the notification of your video! I'm always looking forwards it and to see the progress!

[@karebu2]

Is there a fire risk? Wool and heat from the lights?