I had to take down a horrible staircase one of the previous owners stuck in which was put in seemingly before sheet rock so the sheet rock was fitted to the stairs which lead to holes in the sheet rock. The one I took the picture out of is part of that.
What do you mean by horizontal and avoiding “thermal bridging” if you have any diagram that could possibly help I would appreciate it. I figure if I am going to fix up the structure I might as well try to fix any moisture issues and sheet rock isn’t too expensive… Most likely it will be a longer project that I slowly work on the next couple months if I decide to go further than I already have.
Here is another picture showing the insulation and how it connects to the grate that I showed in one of the original pictures. I don’t see any rot or anything like that but it’s also never had heat running in it before, which I assume would make things worse. The fact it leads straight to where the insulation with no gap or anything feels all kinds of wrong… Would something like baffles be helpful? I could potentially push them behind the insulation to open a gap between the roof deck and insulation.
Would your recommendation change if I am trying to change it into more of an office/work space. I own a small business and I hope to use the barn/shed as the main work area, it will have things like a laser engraver, computer, various materials used to engrave etc.
I am not doubting your recommendation or anything like that, I am just trying to get a full understanding of the situation and possible consequences or possible cheaper fixes. For example, would something like taking the sheetrock down (see what is behind it) and possibly add some vapor barriers with a thin airgap between the roof and the conditioned space. I guess similar to firring strips?
I guess I was hoping there might be a cheaper alternative to replacing the roof but would still reduce the risk of rot or condensation inside. I guess I could potentially seal up loft making it an unconditioned space and only accessible from the external door in the gable (which is visible in one of the pics) as a fall back if it really concerns me.
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.