Walls on a fish house

[R_B]

Can you simply use siding or sheeting then foam and paneling for walls, no ply wood? A friend told me this might be the way to go but it doesn't seem like much. What have you used or seen for walls on fish houses?

[Dan Thiem]

I used 2x2 studs( ripped 2x4 in half) for walls. Then barn tin for the outside walls. But insted of having the ribs run up and down I ran them sideways. Then I isulated inside and then put that shiny white paneling for the inside.

[hanson]

Not quite sure what you mean?

Do you plan on using studs in the wall? If so, you can pretty much put whatever you want on each side. My house has got 2x2 studs, pole barn steel siding layed horizontally, pink rigid insulation in the stud cavities, and paneling on the inside and it is as solid as a rock!

By the sound of it, you might be describing a sandwich panel type of construction where you have no studs. Plywood or OSB on each side with foam in the middle. The entire panel is adhered together and they are stiff and light.

Something else I was thinking about was using nailbase insulation for the walls. Nailbase is typically used in commercial construction. Its basically 2" or so of rigid insulation with OSB adhered to one side. Again, it is stiff and light.

[Tahoe2349]

R B:

I myself have never seen a fish house with anything but outside sheathing/siding, foam insulation and paneling.

You could plywood the interior if wanted I guess but why add weight and painting..lol

[hanson]

Dan-

? for you. Sounds like I've got the same construction as you. I'm not totally finished with the house yet but I've been noticing a lot of condensation on the inside of the pole barn steel. When I pull the pink rigid out of the stud cavities, there will be condensation on the steel. I think it has something to do with the house not being totalling finished and sealed up yet. I'm concerned but not too concerned.

Have you experienced any similar problems.

[R_B]

I have not built the house yet, going to start this weekend. I will be using 2x4s ripped to 2x2s for studs. Just wanted to see what everyone uses.

[PikeTipper]

Is there a benefit to ripping 2x4s in half instead of just getting 2x2s?

[hanson]

I found it was easier to find straight 2x4 studs than it was to find straight 2x2 studs in the pile of lumber. Little cheaper too.

[beer batter]

Ripped 2x4's are stronger than 2x2's too. They're about and extra 1/8" thicker on one side. I built mine the same way with ripped 2x4 construction but I put a plastic vapor barrier over my wooden shell prior to installing the steel over it. Keeps things very dry and protects against small leaks that can occur from screws not sealing through the steel. Highly recommend the vapor barrier.

[Dan Thiem]

Hey Hanson,

Ya I get the drip drip on the head sometimes. I was gonna use great stuff or some other kind of minimal expansion spray foam. But I decided if it got too air tite it wouldn't breathe. I'm definetly no carpenter by any means. I dont mind about the condensation it's really not that bad. When the fish house warms up the windows will get a little moisture and when it's really cold they frost up. I'm not too worried about the condensation. It all dries out in the off season. I don't plan on using it forever. I'll buld a new one in ten more years.

[lumpy]

How about putting some Tybek on the outside, same stuff as they are using for homes. It's supposed to keep moisture out but let it go through the membrane.

[hanson]

In hindsite, I wish I would have wrapped the exterior with Tyvek before putting the steel on. Its way too late now. I don't think I would have used a vapor barrier such as poly because of how sealed up the house would have been.

The reason water condenses on the back of the steel like that is it is the first cold surface the vapor comes into contact with as its 'evaporating' from the house.

I guess we'll see what happens this winter.

[R_B]

What do you all suggest is the best, cheapest, and easiest material to use on the outside. Steel, aluminum?

[PikeTipper]

How do you "rip" the 2x4s apart without damage?

[jt24]

I am not sure whats cheaper anymore, but when i built mine i looked at the weight versus the cost and went with aluminum sheeting for the outside. Got 4x12 ft sheets and started on the bottom and laid them over the top. I got the sheets for $25 a piece. Its alot lighter than steel and our house is air tight except for the vents we put in each side. I can send pics if ya want.

[packattack]

Since the price of sheet steel is so high right now, I used plastic sheet. A company local to us make 1/2" thick sheets from recycled milk jugs. I know that there are other companies out there that do the same. Lighter than aluminum and lasts almost for ever. The downside is that it lets the light in. I solved this by painting the inside with black paint.

[kjgmh]

I just ordered 1/4" corrugated plastic that I am going to try on my new shack. Any thoughts on problems that I may run into? Seems to be very strong and light, should last forever. Not sure if it will get brittle in the cold but guy at the sign shop I ordered it from says that he has never seen a sign crack or break in the cold.

[R_B]

jt24,

Where did you get your aluminum sheeting.

Pics would be kool.

[email protected]

[buzzball]

ya my dad and I are planning on build a 7.5 x 16 V front . We are kicking around the idea of bard sheet sideing also but was woundering how you capped the ends what do you use? if there are any pic pleae send to [email protected]

Thanks

[Gus]

Kjgmh, if you don't mind, what did you have to pay for the plastic pannels? I've seen these used on a house before and they look very light, stiff, and insulating.

Thanks,

Gus

[woodyjdh]

jt24, I too would like info on the aluminum sheets. Thanks in advance! My screen name (site won't let me type it as it claims it, my screen name, is commercial or naughty) @yahoo.com

[arbuck]

jt24, I would also like info on the aluminum sheeting. That seems cheaper than the last quote I got. I wouldn't mind seeing some pics too.

Thanks for the info.

arbuck

[email protected]

[Tahoe2349]

I noticed Road King has 9" "aluminum" for sale in various lengths & colors.

There was a $500 minimum order applied.

[PikeTipper]

jt24,

I'ld like to see some pics of your house if you don't mind.

[email protected]

Just a few more questions too if anyone knows. How much and where do you get the plastic sheets? Any problems with them getting brittle in the cold? How do you "rip" a 2x4?

Thanks for any responses

[hanson]

Piketipper,

A table saw would be the easiest way to "rip" a 2x4. You can also use a circular saw. Just mark a good line and take your time.

[kjgmh]

You can get the plastic sheets at any sign shop, I called around and found 1/4' for $13 and 3/8 for $19. I will use the 3/8" for the roof.