Backyard structure fix up
Backyard structure fix up
I have a small barn like structure on the back of my property that I have started fixing up. Previous owners have done stuff to it as well and I came across this part in the loft. As can be seen in the pictures this light shining through into the inside from the soffit/facia, if that's what it would be in this scenario.
What I am wondering is, is it okay to seal that up? From the other side of the structure, it looks like they are mostly boarded up. I want to try to keep the place at a somewhat decent temperature so I would like to seal it up with some foam to keep spiders and bugs out.
Let me know if you need any more info or pictures. Also I do know about the moss on one side of the roof, that side doesn't get much sun and I live in a wet climate and it has like 3 large trees surrounding it.
Light shining through from the next picture.
where light is shining in from
A wider angle of the area the light is shining in from
front of the structure that appears to be sealed off
Not sure how cold it gets where you are and how much heat you're adding in, but I'm guessing the reason for the mesh instead of fascia is to give some ventilation to the roof
Honestly it probably doesn't matter if you close it up, sacrifice a little rot and ice buildup for your comfort, you said yourself this is just some barn structure, you're not going to wreck it overnight
I'm in Canada, up here we like ventilation in our attic spaces to take away the condensation as warm humid air from inside cools where it meets cold outside air, so you'd normally want a vented soffit with a nice air path leading out the top of your roof, minimizes ice buildup.
For this, you have vaulted ceilings and it looks like basically no space for insulation+ventilation between the inside ceilings and the roof deck, so without knowing your climate or how things are built there I'm betting they saw moisture building up in that eave and removed the fascia to let it breathe
Close it up if you want, I wouldn't bother foaming it, and if you notice things are too wet just take the boards off. Again, you won't wreck it overnight.
5Been reading up on things and found https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/roofing/a-crash-course-in-roof-venting which also seems to mention some of the stuff you said.
It just feels weird to me to just board up a potential issue.
2Oh it's almost certainly creating issues by boarding it up, but what's the point of the structure if it can't be enjoyed properly? I'm taking this for what it is, a barn/shed and not their primary residence. It's not worth it to rebuild the whole roof. I've been a contractor for 18 years, went to school for it and did some building science so this is very much in my wheelhouse. Between the options of do nothing and have to deal with spiders/cold, or try something and keep an eye out for rot, I say go for the latter
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I live in Washington State. Yeah I don't know if it was like this originally or if the previous owners just stuck the netting on there to stop animals from getting in.
You're right that there isn't really any space between the ceiling and roof. The venting is the main thing I'm concerned about and moisture. I think things are already a bit wet to begin with because of the trees, moss, and pine needles that like piling up. Maybe I'll try to take a closer look behind the sheet rock and see what is going on.
Thanks for the input and recommendation. There are 2 skylights at the eve and a door which you can see in one of the pics. If you think that would make any difference with anything.
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