“Is nothing short of bullshit” is the exact moment I hit the subscribe button! Love it. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with no personal gain other than the satisfaction of helping out!
Bubble foil also works great for an insulating mat in a tent, sitting pad or hammock when camping if it's cool or cold. Light weight and can easily be cut to size.
@@thebossoftheswampI have been watching your videos for a long time and now finally have a camp! Question my camp is on piers very high and sloped like 2ft in the rear and 5ft in front. Would you skirt that high?
I watched this last year and there was no pink stuff when I was building my 14x40. So I took a chance and used bubble wrap in the walls and ceiling. Its 9 degrees out side and 74 in this cabin with 4 -110 electric heaters. That perfect!!!
Hey, I realize this is a few years after you posted these videos, but I just found and watched them, and I'm very grateful. I will be building a mountainside cabin in my lifelong home state of NH this summer, and the old logging road to get to it is REALLY steep and REALLY tricky to drive. I can't drive much up there for building materials, so I have to build from what I have on the land-- essentially a log cabin. But these videos you posted are awesome, and there's something about you that just says "this guy is trustworthy" to me. I very much appreciate your taking the time and effort to make and post these videos.
We have a metal building here in Hawaii. The roof at 16 foot high is insulated with this bubble foil and makes a BIG difference. Not in heat loss, but in heat gain. There are no ceilings and this would be a 50'X300' oven without it even with moderate temps 70 to 80 degree F`. AND the 'rain on a tin roof' is not music at the downpours we get and it helps immensely. (Last month 30 inches in about 1week.) Often we cannot hear the TV at 6 foot away or the phone ringing it rains so hard. Detractors say it will attract mice, but have no evidence of this and there is no air gap between the foil and the steel roofing. Keep spreading the word about this material. It works.
@kat lopez. Are you saying there is no air space between your roof and the Reflectix yet it is still very effective? Love your reference to "rain on a tin roof"--we get heavy downpours in Louisiana too.
I only once used : isocyanurate foil backed, rigid foam insulation boards. Whew mouthful. ..in my cabin up north. The ants 🐜 got into it and tunneled thru it completely. A very expensive mistake ! I too switched to ‘bubble foam’ and had No rodent or ant problems. ...I also layed down & buried cement board outside my skirting. It was about 30in wide and it kept critters from tunneling under the skirting, to get into my crawlspace. I covered it with fine base road gravel, about 3-4in thick. 👍🏼 up to ground level.
Some people can’t understand simplicity. Heck you’ve lived in the woods your whole life and are a professional carpenter, I would listen to your hints and advice and tips all day long. Keep on keeping on and Best of luck always and thanks for sharing your videos.
I was at my wit's end with rodent problems until I found your video. Replaced insulation twice and on the third time with the "bubble wrap". The insulation is now rodent free and guess what...It works! I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge.
I have log home and the rodent struggle is real. They’ve ruined my stove and I too am at my wits end. I’m going to switch to bubble foil and peppermint spray.
I used to deliver the mail for the Post Office and drive around in that hot tiny Sardine Can! I put this same product wrapped around my portable flexible lunch box and it kept the heat from the floor of the vehicle getting through my bag and heating up my food!
It does work! I used the reflectix from Menards. Thanks to the boss swamp, my cabin is rodent free because of his knowledge and previous experiences. I'm on a pier foundation. Proof is in the puddin'! I love the ney-sayers....don't use our method, use your own! But my shit is dry, warm, and 100% rodent free!
I had a thought about part of the reason why this may work. As far as I know, layers of trapped air act as insulation. Many layers of thin clothes keep you warmer than one thick one. The insulated skirting is creating a very nice air pocket underneath your cozy warm cabin. It's a buffer zone. Great thinking about keeping the pipes warm. You are one smart cookie!
Part of why it works so well is that it reflects infrared radiation (IR). That's the warmth you feel from a fire through glass. It's basically light that you can't see with your eyes but you can feel with your skin. So it reflects the IR from warmer places back into the warmer places which keeps the warmer places warm for longer and/or with less added heat. Love the tip!
Thank you Sir! My son bought a house built in the late 1800s. He’s racked his brain and searched for the best way to insulate the floors. He’s sold on this and will have his first warm winter in his dream house! Thank You 🙏 🙏🙏
I'm with you Boss , I know people that have used the small bubble wrap shipping wrap , the clear kind , in their RVs .slightly damping it and sticking it on their windows . Its not a magic cure but it works in a pinch , and all it is , is air gap. Where are you warmer , standing in a cold wind or standing behind say a piece of plywood ? Thats why double pane glass works so well in a window , air space . Darn good video and advice 👌
Hi JCAll I can tell the people that are complaining about how you use the Refletex insulation, have really never used it. I live in the Sonoran Desert, and we use it in our windows to block the heat! It works both way , keeps the heat and the cold out! Love your videos, your an inspiration! Keep up the good work! You have to love youtube, it brings out the stupid people, who have know idea what they are talking about!!!
Me and hubby built a 16 x 24 cabin on pillars in Northern Idaho. We used bubble foil under the cabin too. We didn't have time to finish the skirting before the snow fell. But we were nice and toasty all winter. We are belivers of bubble foil!
I mentioned before boss that my whole cabin is insulated with bubble foil. One thing I like over fiberglass is that you don't have that musty smell if the cabin has been sealed up for a while. I love the stuff, no joke. On another note, a couple of my buddies were using bubble foil as a camp pad. What a cheap way to go and stay toasty warm, I challenge anybody out there to try it.
Did you use single or double bubble? I'm planning my cabin n just got roof on. 16x30 20' high. Going sawmill board n baton siding. Did you put it behind the siding or inside and leave air gap between siding n living space? I put it underneath my tin roof. Put on top rafters then layer tin onto. Thanks
Hey Jim, I can use this in my walls too ?? And ceiling?? I have a pre built 8x12 tiny building by Graceland. Should I apply it to the inner part of the outside wall boards on inside between wall studs or just staple on to wall studs before applying wall boards.??? This is my first project of this size. Ya , can I put it on top of wood flooring inside and put 1/2 inch plywood on top, then put in newer man door. It is only 1 foot off the ground. Maybe when Graceland driver comes out to move it across property, I can be ready with new foundation too raise it up 18 to 24 inches.,, And so I can have room to go under neath and staple between floor joists , what do ya think.?? Keeping in mind, the temps can be down to 5 to 9 degrees in winter time for a few days at a time. At least at night time, on & off during winter around 7,000 feet on the mountain.
Watching both videos has been a game changer for us saving us lots of $$$ in needless insulation and products on our deck floor underneath. (Making a 2-3 season porch... not really heated. ) Our skirting will be open for ventilation and light as we have block basement windows there - but there will be no rodents finding a free warm home to live in and trash during the winter! Bubble wrap works great for keeping our chickens comfy during the long winter - never considered it for our house until now. Thank you.
Red, I feel the same way. I was delighted to find out about the bubble wrap but it hadn't occurred to me to use it for my (not yet built) chicken coop! I am delighted.
The Insulated skirting is what's keeping the ground and pipes from freezing, being that ground temps maintain a constant 50-55 degrees. It also helps that some of the heat from the cabin is getting into the crawl space through the bubble wrap.
@@almaburns6562 That was my point. The ground temperature only remains constant below the frost line...unless it's permafrost. Without the skirt and insulation, the ground and pipes would be the temperature would be around the outside air temperature.
I live in a yurt on a pier foundation up to 5ft in the air. I did the same thing with "Bubble Foil" around the skirting. You are absolutely right. Experience in my view is way better than theory. Thank you for the two videos. God bless you for passing along your experience
@@thebossoftheswamp I am going to buy a bunch and put it everywhere I can inside my RV. This trailer is in great shape at 25 yrs old, but I am going to use some serious foil on it, in all cabinets, walls, inside floor under carpet. I think I can be really cozy on vacation in cold & hot vacations. It is 45 out now where I am at, got my RV door open all day and still is open. I am going to buy this foil product soon, very soon. I might be able to stay on mountain longer while I work on tiny cabin to actually live in.. Fishing holes are all over up here..
Appreciate the tip! I'll be building a large "deer blind" (calling that to get around the assessor and codes) this summer, to stay in until I build my retirement home on my up north MI property. The bubble wrap is a perfect solution for the question I had about insulating the floor. Thanks and have a great day!
The folks giving advice obviously don't have an old cabin that is a rodent magnet. I've learned with mine that you must eliminate as many hidden cavities as possible, or they will find it and nest in it. And even then, they will find somewhere to cause you problems. Keep up the good sense Boss.
Former Construction Specialist/Engineer. Physics (Thermodynamics) Heat seeks cold NOT vice versa. 1. I think the heat in your cabin is being transmitted through the floor joists as you suspected. I agree. 2. Geothermal (ground) heat transfer. In other words, I think because the ground under the cabin is not exposed to the cold outside air it doesn't freeze because of normal geothermal heat transference. Personally, I never used this method but ever since you mentioned it I became interested in the science of what was going on. In closing, I think the other interesting factor that is taking place is HEAT REFLECTION due to the aluminum foil. Anyway, that's my two cents worth.................IT WORKS!
I agree. I think the reflective properties of this stuff make it what it is. It's the only insulation in the skirting and let me tell you... it's been wicked fricken cold up here this winter and that jug never froze. I find that amazing :-)
About 10 years ago I bought a basic wooden shed to use as a backyard office. The floor consisted of joists with tongue and groove boards nailed straight onto them. As the installers were erecting the shed, they added nothing in the way of a membrane or insulation. I cursed the fact that due to it being only 8 inches off the ground, I would never be able to add any insulation at a later date without dismantling the entire shed (in hindsight, should have done this). I had come across the relatively new product, as The Boss appropriately calls it "bubble foil" and decided to instead put it on the inside of the 2" studded walls and ceiling with some 1/8" birch plywood over it. I bought the plywood, but it took me a while to get around to it, and in the meantime I ran out of money. The best I could do was to buy some good ole regular bubble wrap from an office supply place and use it in the same way as the foil stuff. Granted it doesn't get very cold here in Ireland, but it worked a charm and ever since has made a rot-free lovely, toasty little space.
Good on you JC! Dont let the backseat drivers get you down. I have watched ALL your videos and I have found heart, spirit, humour, warmth and some darn good tips.God bless and take care.
I appreciate that you felt the need to de-bunk the Webtards with a follow up video but save your knees for when you really need to get into the crawlspace for a good reason. And, as we know, that good reason will never be repairing the adverse effects of the “bubble foil.” Keep up the great work and tips. They are truly appreciated.
Well you’re definitely correct about the mice getting into and ruining the pink fiberglass insulation. I’ve been removing ruined insulation from under my raised floor house and I am planning to try “foil bubble wrap” as well as foam board to see which works best and is most affordable. Thanks for spending your time doing these videos!
I watched your first video on this and your second one has only confirmed it. There is no substitute for experience. I have (soon to be had) rats, not mice in my newly inherited house, as the squatters who had been living there were absolute slobs. The rats in the attic had literally destroyed the fiberglass insulation, chewed holes in the walls, etc. I'm bringing in a quite effective cat, pellet guns, and rat traps, and I was loathe to add more fiberglass for the very reasons you mentioned. Your two videos on insulation have been the biggest change in my plan for what to do. I can't thank you enough. I subscribed right away, because your attitude & experience makes you exactly the kind of person I want to learn from. Thank you again for making videos and sharing your knowledge.
Re the rats, there's a great You Tube video on how to get rid of rats using a mixture of baking soda & Jiffy cornbread mix. The rats eat it & it builds up gas that they can't expel & it kills them. Very effective & cheap remedy.
P.S. I have eliminated ALL the rodents, cleaned out underneath the house, and installed bubble foil as shown above. I am delighted with the results, including the reduced heating costs, and the warm floors. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart!!!
The Reflectix works well on the skirting because heat always moves to cold, but it also must have a space for the heat to reflect back to. You are correct about the insulation under the floor is working against keeping the crawl space warm.
I also think you get some benefit from the warmth of the earth rising up beneath the cabin and being surrounded by your insulated skirting. Way to hold your ground Boss!!
Thank you this information!! We only go to our cabin every couple of weeks and we have struggled for years with rodents problems and them getting into the insulation over and over again. Now that I have seen this I am so excited to get underneath and rip all that crap out and do it this way. Thank you for sharing this and helping us solve our problem. This is what UA-cam is for, sharing ideas... if the idea doesn’t work for you then move on, not sure why people have to talk crap. Keep posting and sharing your ideas, please. Thanks from the Rocky Mtns.
Well Boss, I'm building a 2700 sq ft house, and guess what? My floors are going to have the "Bubble Wrap" under them. Thanks to you I'm doing this. I told the inspector and he was impressed. Anytime you want to come to NC and help, feel free. I always enjoy and respect the ideas you come up with. You keep make this videos and I'll keep watching. Thanks Boss
Good for you ☺ I don't know anything about building cabin etc. But your cabin seems very nice and good work. You are a nice man and you take time of your life to post videos about your life and I am very happy to watch your videos so thanks from Sweden ☺
Great Vid JC. Let the haters hate. They are jealous that you have the common sense that they lack. It works for you, you generously shared it with us, and some people just have to shoot holes in things they can't get their head around. Thanks for sharing!! God Bless!!!
@@thebossoftheswamp Hello sir, I love your program.. I have a 8x12 tiny cabin. The temps can be in teens & just about 5 degrees in winter. Can I use this insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor and use nothing else. I do not know much about building codes, but I do want to be warm with the right insulation and a small wood stove in winter. Can you help me. It is up off ground so I can get underneath. And walls can I staple this to studs before applying inside wall boards. I need serious help, on a budget but need to stay warm. Harvey-60
@@harvdog5669 I have used the foil for walls, roof and ceilings but I wouldn't completely surround myself with it. like your shed, I would do the floor and roof but use fiberglass in the walls. A building needs to breath just like we do. I would staple it between the studs and directly to the sheathing. If it was applied over the top of the studs, condensation may form in that airspace as the building is heated. Just my 2 cents.
I love you man you are straight to the point to prove to the naysayers that heat does not go down through the floor joists all you need is a thermal camera and everybody shuts up from that point on have a good day man love watching your vids
JC- Don’t let these clowns that don’t know shit get to you! Knowledge like yours can’t be learned from a text book, it comes from living the experience. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of what WORKS!
We're starting to insulate the floor but I wanted to watch your video again thanks for all the great info. Definitely doing exactly how you did your cabin.
I sense your frustration boss. I skirted my cottage the same way except I ran a vapor barrier along the dirt floor and up over the bubble foil to the sil plate. Saved me over $500 bucks the first winter in heating costs and fixed my humidity problem as well. Sometimes it’s about creating dead air and not so much about the r value. F the trolls. You do you bud.
Boss... great insight there. Living in cottage country here in the middle of Ontario, Canada I've seen more than a few dozen cabins/cottages on piers with failed attempts to insulate the floors with fiberglass insulation... the rodents just simply chew their way into this wonderful haven of warm space and completely ruin the efforts of the property owner.. great advice and good "backwoods logic".. I'd give two thumbs up but they only allow one...
I love your matter-of-fact-ness!!! My wife and I just bought a shed (12x24) and are wondering how to insulate it. Lucky for us, we have a small camper that we used bubble foil in, and already know how well it works. Your video is the voice of experience I needed. THANK YOU!!
The experts said Hillary was going to be President , the experts claimed we would all be driving flying cars by now, The experts claimed the Titanic was unsinkable ........... The builder says I live here and my floors are warm and I am happy ........ Practical experience wins
😥Sadly People Lie. Evil runs rampant. Good Thing's come to those who wait. I wonder if the bubble foil help's to keep Radeon from seeping into the cabin❓
You made this video 4 yrs ago, providentially, I’m watching it because it came up in my feed. I’m building a chicken house/shed and one of the big conundrums about designing the floor was how to insulate, how not to encourage rodents and whether or not to lift it off the ground, due to cold airflow potentially freezing the floor even with insulation. I’ve seen this product before. I’m going to use it to insulate both skirting and floor. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this JEWEL of a tip! Best Regards! Christina
If you click the VIDEOS tab on my channel, you will find a very recent update on this insulation with useful info regarding other applications. My hen house is insulated with this too.
We had a pole barn/garage/workshop built last year and had that insulation put on(they call it double bubble here in KY). We put the vehicles in there after they had snow and ice on them in 0-10 weather. Without any heat source, the snow and ice melted off the trucks. So it had to be above freezing in there, and that means a 30 or more degree shift with just double bubble and no heat source. I should've put a thermometer in there but didn't think of until afterwards, now I'm a believer yessah. ; )
Just came through an Australian summer (Temps up to 48 C. 118 F on the hottest day - down to 31 C - 89 F overnight.) and I have fitted the bubble foil - on your advice - under, in the walls and in the ceiling. The House is in central North Queensland (Hughenden) and has only recently (last October) had the internal walls clad (Also with your idea of plaster rendering) I put the bubble foil in and we did not need Air conditioning this whole summer. Admittedly the house is on tall stilts and flow through design for breezes and we did have breezes most of the time. Luckily, the humidity was not high this year. Thank you for this advice, this follow up and the many - many ways you have made it possible for me to make my places better...every day.
Good for you. You tell 'em Boss. I can attest to its value of bubble foil as I have used it in my little 1975 Cardinal 10ft travel trailer remodel. YES, It made a difference!! I have camped in late October in the mountains of Sierra Nevada's in northern CA, and it snowed!
Serious, common sense. People get nuts with building, "air-tight," and high R-value. The bubble wrap method seems to hit the sweet spot of providing a vapor barrier and insulation, but still enough flow through heat to keep the crawl space from freezing. Perfect for a cabin, and keeps the mice out which is a major victory! Great video!!!
I'm building my own camp next year and you sold me on this method. I wasn't planning on skirting but what a must for pier foundations . Appreciate the tutorial.
Most people repeat what they've learned from others. They trust their source of information and buy into the theories. This is how disinformation becomes a fad. And how a multitude of various practices are degrading our quality of life. I admire the ambitious ones who ask "why?" and persever to discover the truth for themselves!
Found this after dealing with mice and one snake getting into my cabin. I live in Texas, block from Brazos River so rodents & such are part of the life. I’ve used the “bubble wrap “ to keep my school bus/studio Warmer & cooler, used in the cabin window for the same reason. If it works, it works! Come Spring, I’m gonna put (bubble wrap) under my two cabins and bus! Thankyou Shari
Hey JC...! I insulated my Playmate cooler just like you said in your video and my drinks/food stays cold now while I am out fishing all day. I bought more bubble wrap and getting ready to insulate my shed. When I first started watching your channel, I watched every episode in one night. Keep doing what you are doing. You are a very wise man... Love your videos!
@@thebossoftheswamp Howdy friend, I love how you share truth with whoever needs to hear it. I have a pre built graceland building, with out any insulation, it can be 9 degrees in winter here. I already decided before watching your video, that I need to make the tiny shed warm. So I want to put the foil under floor or on top of existing 5/8 ply wood floor, if I go on top, I have plenty room for a layer of 1/2 inch plywood on top of that.,, Then put my door in. I want to use the foil in walls & ceiling as well. Or what do you suggest in walls & ceiling for a good fix on tight income. I have great roof ventilation and a metal roof and great out door siding. The roof has a 1 inch insulation board under metal roof as well.. Please help. From Harvey on a budget. Thankyou sir. You seem so real. I appreciate your view on what works and what does not work. Love your channel. I will keep watching till you stop.. by the way, my tiny cabin is 8X12. I am staying away from permits. My other main cabin will be a 16X24 or 28 with a metal roof. I might need to get a permit on that. Thankyou again, keep helping folks, we love you. See you in the next video.
@@thebossoftheswamp MY FAVORITE CABIN GUY. Love your videos.. If I insulate my tiny cabin floor underneath like you have done. When I leave in the winter, will my pipes freeze.?? I want to put R-19in walls and cover over the wall studs with REFLECTEC, Then put on wall boards. The ceiling will be R-38 then REFLECTEC ON CEILING RAFTERS over lnsulation, then ceiling boards. Will my cabin freeze-up.. Do I need to drain all my water in my pipes. It can be between 5 degrees and 26 in the winter on the mountain here at 6800 feet in northern Arizona. My buddy thinks I am crazy for wanting to use REFLECTEC , mostly in my floors...I have said nothing to him about the walls... What happens to your cabin when you leave it unattended in the winter....???? Thankyou for doing great videos. Keep making more...I do not doubt the effectiveness of REFLECTEC myself, just by watching your videos..please let me know your opinion about what I will do with the ceiling and walls.
@@harvdog5669 My cabin holds the heat for a long time but if no heat is generated for a long time, then the inside temp and outside temp will eventually equal out and yes it would freeze. I honestly don't know how well it'll work to attach interior wall board directly to the reflectix. I'm presently insulating the upstairs of our garage project by putting unfaced insulation between the rafters, then stapling reflectix to the underside of the rafters, then strapping over the foil and will sheetrock over the strapping. This gives me a hard surface to screw the sheetrock to and leaves a 3/4" airspace between the sheetrock and the foil (which creates an insulation in itself).
@@thebossoftheswamp Thankyou sir. I love breathing outside fresh air. And like you mentioned that if it is to thick or dense and tightly closed up,, one needs to crack a window at each end of cabin or house like with a swamp cooler, from time to time to refresh the air.. I am thinking a little over kill on staying warm and keeping drafts down to a minimum, especially in winter is a better trade off for winter 🥶🥶 in cold months makes for a happier situation. LOL LOL 😆🤠🤠🤠🤠 Thankyou for all your advice and tips on cabin living. I believe so n you. Keep up with your favorite projects and videos. Your fan Harvey..
Thank you so much for this video! I am changing the insulation in my 320 sq ft cabin from fiberglass to bubble foil because of your video. The fiberglass was a magnet for rodents and the condensation was a pain. I’m a 52 year old woman, and I am doing it myself. It’s a lot of work, but it’s pretty easy. And the floor is bone dry!! Thank you for sharing your idea!!
Just a reminder that the bubble foil sold at Home depot is NOT what I use . They changed what they carry and it's made very cheaply. This is the brand I use: amzn.to/39Om4LL Good luck with your project. ______________________________________________________ As an Amazon affiliate, commissions are earned from qualifying purchases.
@@thebossoftheswamp Hi, JC! I have a couple of questions. What did you insulate the water pipes? And how did you insulate tight spaces? Thank you very much!
@@thebossoftheswamp Hi JC, I just wanted to share this info with you to alert your subscribers. The link to the Amazon product is for the Reflectix brand. However, some third party sellers send a cheap version. I ended up receiving what appears to be the US Energy Products brand. I found this out because I had ordered an extra roll from Walmart (third party seller). This roll came in a proper Reflectix brand case and packaging. The ones that I had received from Amazon came in an unmarked box without any packaging. Most importantly, the quality was CLEARLY better than the ones I got from Amazon. The difference was stark. When I cut the Amazon version, sometimes, the foil would peel right off, and ended up with just the plastic bubble, which would pop at the slightest pressure. It’s very unfortunate that third party sellers can just send whatever they want.
"The proof is in the pudding..." Well said JC. Different techniques other than cookie cutter construction very much works. I've lived around the world and have seen many types of alternative construction that was successful. Rock on man.
No no put the insulation under the floor to the bottom of your floor joist and put it up there with wire or whatever you want to do you will find your roads up there when I get up there they will crawl up there and die and then they stink LOL I found out the hard way you are absolutely right the way you're doing it it's just amazing how some people have to tell other people how to do things do it your way if you if you were wrong it would be money out of your pocket not theirs I like the way you do it and I've done it your way and it's the way to do it God bless take care have a good day love your program
I love your videos. I am far more likely to follow a tried & true tested method like yours than a 100 so called "independent" reviews. I am having a shed delivered in a couple of weeks and will definitely incorporate your flooring and skirting insulation methods shown here. Great video!
The same people that are complaining about your insulating tactics (which are better than what most people use by the way) are the same people that will drywall their basement ceiling in a house in the city. ONE TIME a pipe bursts or you have to get at your electrical system you have to rip down 1/4 to 1/2 the ceiling to find and fix the problem, causing thousands of dollars worth of time and repair. You've now avoided all of this. Good work. -source: I am a contractor and have done insulation and wiring under homes professionally as a contractor for years.
Bullshit! I love it! I’ve been watching your vids since the first one, I’m 60 years old and have dabbled in a little bit of every thing over the years. One reason I keep watching your channel and stop watching 99 percent of other channels is the fact that when you say or show something it’s worth listening and watching. All these freggin u tube experts, they probably have never done a damn thing on their own. You admit when your not an expert on subjects and even admit you hate working on things like cars and electrical projects. Your carpentry skills are second to none and yes sometimes we learn things that you wouldn’t think work actually do. Any way keep the great ideas coming, some of us don’t know every thing and gain a lot from them. Have a good holiday weekend.
Thank you for the videos! I begin building next spring, so I'm trying to learn from everyone who came before me and how to effectively insulate the floor has been puzzling me for a while. Once again, thank you!
I like this guy…he’s as country and common sense as you can get 👍. I’m working on a cabin at the moment and I’ve been reluctant on putting wool insulation because its warmth will attracts rodents, just spoke to an “expert” about my rodent concern and he was recommending all other stuffs I will need to buy and fix to solve that problem…but something (I’ll say the voice of God) in me said there as to be another way out and after searching UA-cam I stumbled on your video …you just helped solve my problem and save me from spending lots of $$$$ as “the expert” advised me for something that will fail after a few years …you da man 😁👍
One layer of this stuff is all I have beneath the floors of ALL of my structures. I went to buy a few rolls the other day at Home Depot and they had some other off brand that was half the thickness of what I use. I didn't buy it. This is the brand I use: amzn.to/3uhCaWr _______________________________________________________ Shopping through this link helps our channel with commissions earned through qualifying purchases.
If rodents move into any warm cavity . Why are they not in the crawl space? The other thing is frost in the ground can reach 4 feet deep . How do you explain the frozen ground outside but 4 inches into your crawl space the ground is not frozen. This makes no sense unless you are heating the space. So dig down under the crawl space at the wall and tell me that ground isn’t frozen. What you are telling us is impossible according to all physical laws of energy conservation. So it must be bullshit, pardon my French
@@robertlongley5731 Heat rises. Even if it were being heated in the slightest, it wouldn’t be noticeable. Plus it’s a small space. No one is telling you that you should bubble foil your 5000 sqft house. It seems like you are trying to make an argument when there is proof in front of your face. What more do you want, the science behind it?
You can’t argue with success. Bubble foils make a great vapour barrier as well as an excellent insulator. This spring I need to replace my cabin floor and insulate it. This is how I will do it. Great for retrofit jobs. Cheers
One positive attribute I noticed is the height of the floor joists above grade where it looks like you are perhaps approximately 42" to 48" to the bottom of the joists which allows a static plenum of air to exist and having the skirt insulated with the bubble-foil keeps the air warmed. You also must be oriented on the lot away from downhill running drainage. If water vapor ever became a minor concern you could consider installing a couple of solar-powered fans to circulate air to reduce water vapor. Thank you for suggesting and showing the practicality of the bubble-foil at work.
I've always thought that a lot of you folks that have a you tube channel open your selves to people who have nothing better to do than critique other people's experience. Take it with a grain of salt Boss because you'll never change the naysayers !!! I'm in my 70's and have become a you tube fan boy !! In the last few years I've done my own truck repairs by watching videos and will continue to take advice from folks that offer me the benefit of their wisdom. "WORKS FOR ME" would make a great bumper sticker haha There is an unbelievable wealth of information available on the internet in the form of videos and to not use this resource to your advantage in this day and age is foolhardy. Thank you for sharing your experience in "WHAT WORKS FOR ME" Your senior fan boy-Stan
It works by stopping your floor panels getting dew drops on the underside. The wetting drying cycle would otherwise suck a whole load of heat through the floor. Air is a great insulator. So long as you eliminate huge draughts through your crawl space with your sidings you've got a sensible setup.
Keyboard expert's ?. As I said a while ago I showed my friend your video on how you insulated the cabin he done the same to his parkhome (mobile home) and it made the world of difference, some of the doubtful on the site are now doing the same!. Take care and stay safe.
Hubby and I totally love the idea. We were trying to think of how to do ours, we live in a trailer and live in Northern Michigan and yes deal with peskey rodents too of which I truly hate but I hate giving our money to old man winter so I think we're gonna try this and see if it'll wrk for us as well. Thanks so much 👍
I found your videos looking for a cheaper, rodent safe alternative to fiberglass to separate my basement from the house floors. So even though I don't have a cabin the information has served me well
It's nice to finally stumble upon your cabin videos while dealing with these exact scenarios. I'm building a 24x28 foot lofted cabin on a piece of land i bought right beside the raquette river. It's pier and beam. Appreciate you and all that you do Boss! I think I've been overthinking this step. This gives me confidence.
I agree !! My uncle is a Master Restoration Carpenter, who has worked on old houses of our founding fathers . He says house's have to breathe to live ... ! Sealing everything up too tight will kill your house and your health !!!!!!
“Is nothing short of bullshit” is the exact moment I hit the subscribe button! Love it. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with no personal gain other than the satisfaction of helping out!
Thank you
@@thebossoftheswamp
Keep it clean.
~ God❤ ✝ 🕊🌿Bless ~
ME TOO! Love this guys frankness..
The water doesn't freeze because of the heat loss from the house. R-1 bubblewrap will do next to nothing.
I've been a remodeling contractor for 40 years. What you did with the bubble foil was awesome!
Yep, I was always taught that if the shoe fits, wear it. Proof Is In The Pudding!
Bubble foil also works great for an insulating mat in a tent, sitting pad or hammock when camping if it's cool or cold. Light weight and can easily be cut to size.
Agreed :-)
@@thebossoftheswampI have been watching your videos for a long time and now finally have a camp! Question my camp is on piers very high and sloped like 2ft in the rear and 5ft in front. Would you skirt that high?
@@lornegiles8863 Absolutely!
I watched this last year and there was no pink stuff when I was building my 14x40. So I took a chance and used bubble wrap in the walls and ceiling. Its 9 degrees out side and 74 in this cabin with 4 -110 electric heaters. That perfect!!!
Hey, I realize this is a few years after you posted these videos, but I just found and watched them, and I'm very grateful. I will be building a mountainside cabin in my lifelong home state of NH this summer, and the old logging road to get to it is REALLY steep and REALLY tricky to drive. I can't drive much up there for building materials, so I have to build from what I have on the land-- essentially a log cabin. But these videos you posted are awesome, and there's something about you that just says "this guy is trustworthy" to me. I very much appreciate your taking the time and effort to make and post these videos.
People that don’t believe in reflectex have never used it.
You sir are 100% right
We have a metal building here in Hawaii. The roof at 16 foot high is insulated with this bubble foil and makes a BIG difference. Not in heat loss, but in heat gain. There are no ceilings and this would be a 50'X300' oven without it even with moderate temps 70 to 80 degree F`. AND the 'rain on a tin roof' is not music at the downpours we get and it helps immensely. (Last month 30 inches in about 1week.) Often we cannot hear the TV at 6 foot away or the phone ringing it rains so hard. Detractors say it will attract mice, but have no evidence of this and there is no air gap between the foil and the steel roofing. Keep spreading the word about this material. It works.
@kat lopez. Are you saying there is no air space between your roof and the Reflectix yet it is still very effective?
Love your reference to "rain on a tin roof"--we get heavy downpours in Louisiana too.
I only once used : isocyanurate foil backed, rigid foam insulation boards. Whew mouthful.
..in my cabin up north. The ants 🐜 got into it and tunneled thru it completely. A very expensive mistake !
I too switched to ‘bubble foam’ and had No rodent or ant problems.
...I also layed down & buried cement board outside my skirting. It was about 30in wide and it kept critters from tunneling under the skirting, to get into my crawlspace. I covered it with fine base road gravel, about 3-4in thick. 👍🏼 up to ground level.
The ceiling of my NY cabin has 3" foam insulation. What a mistake. It's the Holiday In for ants. NEVER AGAIN.
Bubble foil all the way :-))
Some people can’t understand simplicity. Heck you’ve lived in the woods your whole life and are a professional carpenter, I would listen to your hints and advice and tips all day long. Keep on keeping on and Best of luck always and thanks for sharing your videos.
Thank you John. Always a pleasure to hear from you :-)
As my dad used to say ... "Yuh just can't argue with COMMON SENSE"! Kudos to you my friend, gettin' it done in the REAL world.
Thank you kindly :-)
I was at my wit's end with rodent problems until I found your video. Replaced insulation twice and on the third time with the "bubble wrap". The insulation is now rodent free and guess what...It works! I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for sharing your success report :-))
I have log home and the rodent struggle is real. They’ve ruined my stove and I too am at my wits end. I’m going to switch to bubble foil and peppermint spray.
I used to deliver the mail for the Post Office and drive around in that hot tiny Sardine Can! I put this same product wrapped around my portable flexible lunch box and it kept the heat from the floor of the vehicle getting through my bag and heating up my food!
It also kept my drinks from getting hot through the bag!
I love how you make everything so simple that even I can understand it, yet it works! Thank you!
Thank you Adrienne. I'm working on a 3 year update on this subject so stay tuned :-))
It does work! I used the reflectix from Menards. Thanks to the boss swamp, my cabin is rodent free because of his knowledge and previous experiences. I'm on a pier foundation. Proof is in the puddin'! I love the ney-sayers....don't use our method, use your own! But my shit is dry, warm, and 100% rodent free!
I had a thought about part of the reason why this may work. As far as I know, layers of trapped air act as insulation. Many layers of thin clothes keep you warmer than one thick one. The insulated skirting is creating a very nice air pocket underneath your cozy warm cabin. It's a buffer zone. Great thinking about keeping the pipes warm. You are one smart cookie!
Yes indeed and the reflective quality of the foil is outstanding.
Part of why it works so well is that it reflects infrared radiation (IR). That's the warmth you feel from a fire through glass. It's basically light that you can't see with your eyes but you can feel with your skin. So it reflects the IR from warmer places back into the warmer places which keeps the warmer places warm for longer and/or with less added heat. Love the tip!
Thank you Sir! My son bought a house built in the late 1800s. He’s racked his brain and searched for the best way to insulate the floors. He’s sold on this and will have his first warm winter in his dream house! Thank You 🙏 🙏🙏
I'm with you Boss , I know people that have used the small bubble wrap shipping wrap , the clear kind , in their RVs .slightly damping it and sticking it on their windows . Its not a magic cure but it works in a pinch , and all it is , is air gap. Where are you warmer , standing in a cold wind or standing behind say a piece of plywood ? Thats why double pane glass works so well in a window , air space . Darn good video and advice 👌
Your patience is incredible! Keep sharing and don’t let the criticism get you down.
Like your no BS, straight up approach. Thank you. Great info.
I love a good ole i told you so video. Good advice Boss!!
Hi JCAll I can tell the people that are complaining about how you use the Refletex insulation, have really never used it. I live in the Sonoran Desert, and we use it in our windows to block the heat! It works both way , keeps the heat and the cold out! Love your videos, your an inspiration! Keep up the good work! You have to love youtube, it brings out the stupid people, who have know idea what they are talking about!!!
Me and hubby built a 16 x 24 cabin on pillars in Northern Idaho. We used bubble foil under the cabin too. We didn't have time to finish the skirting before the snow fell. But we were nice and toasty all winter. We are belivers of bubble foil!
I mentioned before boss that my whole cabin is insulated with bubble foil. One thing I like over fiberglass is that you don't have that musty smell if the cabin has been sealed up for a while. I love the stuff, no joke.
On another note, a couple of my buddies were using bubble foil as a camp pad. What a cheap way to go and stay toasty warm, I challenge anybody out there to try it.
Did you use single or double bubble? I'm planning my cabin n just got roof on. 16x30 20' high. Going sawmill board n baton siding. Did you put it behind the siding or inside and leave air gap between siding n living space? I put it underneath my tin roof. Put on top rafters then layer tin onto. Thanks
Hey Jim, I can use this in my walls too ?? And ceiling??
I have a pre built 8x12 tiny building by Graceland.
Should I apply it to the inner part of the outside wall boards on inside between wall studs or just staple on to wall studs before applying wall boards.???
This is my first project of this size.
Ya , can I put it on top of wood flooring inside and put 1/2 inch plywood on top, then put in newer man door. It is only 1 foot off the ground.
Maybe when Graceland driver comes out to move it across property, I can be ready with new foundation too raise it up 18 to 24 inches.,, And so I can have room to go under neath and staple between floor joists , what do ya think.?? Keeping in mind, the temps can be down to 5 to 9 degrees in winter time for a few days at a time.
At least at night time, on & off during winter around 7,000 feet on the mountain.
@@harvdog5669 What did you end up doing and did it work?
Watching both videos has been a game changer for us saving us lots of $$$ in needless insulation and products on our deck floor underneath. (Making a 2-3 season porch... not really heated. ) Our skirting will be open for ventilation and light as we have block basement windows there - but there will be no rodents finding a free warm home to live in and trash during the winter! Bubble wrap works great for keeping our chickens comfy during the long winter - never considered it for our house until now. Thank you.
Red, I feel the same way. I was delighted to find out about the bubble wrap but it hadn't occurred to me to use it for my (not yet built) chicken coop! I am delighted.
The Insulated skirting is what's keeping the ground and pipes from freezing, being that ground temps maintain a constant 50-55 degrees. It also helps that some of the heat from the cabin is getting into the crawl space through the bubble wrap.
"being that ground temps maintain a constant 50-55 degrees."
Not where he is.
@@wisenber Aren't they saying this is the temp using the insulated skirting & bubble wrap, otherwise the ground would be below freezing?
@@almaburns6562 That was my point. The ground temperature only remains constant below the frost line...unless it's permafrost. Without the skirt and insulation, the ground and pipes would be the temperature would be around the outside air temperature.
I live in a yurt on a pier foundation up to 5ft in the air. I did the same thing with "Bubble Foil" around the skirting. You are absolutely right. Experience in my view is way better than theory. Thank you for the two videos. God bless you for passing along your experience
Insulating that skirting makes all the difference in the world. I'm still getting bashed about the R factor. So ridiculous lol.
@@thebossoftheswamp how can I apply this foil under my RV. This could mean I could use it more in the frozen mountain weather.
@@thebossoftheswamp I am going to buy a bunch and put it everywhere I can inside my RV. This trailer is in great shape at 25 yrs old, but I am going to use some serious foil on it, in all cabinets, walls, inside floor under carpet. I think I can be really cozy on vacation in cold & hot vacations.
It is 45 out now where I am at, got my RV door open all day and still is open. I am going to buy this foil product soon, very soon.
I might be able to stay on mountain longer while I work on tiny cabin to actually live in..
Fishing holes are all over up here..
Appreciate the tip! I'll be building a large "deer blind" (calling that to get around the assessor and codes) this summer, to stay in until I build my retirement home on my up north MI property. The bubble wrap is a perfect solution for the question I had about insulating the floor.
Thanks and have a great day!
The folks giving advice obviously don't have an old cabin that is a rodent magnet. I've learned with mine that you must eliminate as many hidden cavities as possible, or they will find it and nest in it. And even then, they will find somewhere to cause you problems. Keep up the good sense Boss.
Former Construction Specialist/Engineer.
Physics (Thermodynamics) Heat seeks cold NOT vice versa.
1. I think the heat in your cabin is being transmitted through the floor joists as you suspected. I agree.
2. Geothermal (ground) heat transfer. In other words, I think because the ground under the cabin is not exposed to the cold outside air it doesn't freeze because of normal geothermal heat transference.
Personally, I never used this method but ever since you mentioned it I became interested in the science of what was going on. In closing, I think the other interesting factor that is taking place is HEAT REFLECTION due to the aluminum foil.
Anyway, that's my two cents worth.................IT WORKS!
I agree. I think the reflective properties of this stuff make it what it is. It's the only insulation in the skirting and let me tell you... it's been wicked fricken cold up here this winter and that jug never froze. I find that amazing :-)
About 10 years ago I bought a basic wooden shed to use as a backyard office. The floor consisted of joists with tongue and groove boards nailed straight onto them. As the installers were erecting the shed, they added nothing in the way of a membrane or insulation. I cursed the fact that due to it being only 8 inches off the ground, I would never be able to add any insulation at a later date without dismantling the entire shed (in hindsight, should have done this). I had come across the relatively new product, as The Boss appropriately calls it "bubble foil" and decided to instead put it on the inside of the 2" studded walls and ceiling with some 1/8" birch plywood over it. I bought the plywood, but it took me a while to get around to it, and in the meantime I ran out of money. The best I could do was to buy some good ole regular bubble wrap from an office supply place and use it in the same way as the foil stuff. Granted it doesn't get very cold here in Ireland, but it worked a charm and ever since has made a rot-free lovely, toasty little space.
Good on you JC! Dont let the backseat drivers get you down. I have watched ALL your videos and I have found heart, spirit, humour, warmth and some darn good tips.God bless and take care.
God Bless
I appreciate that you felt the need to de-bunk the Webtards with a follow up video but save your knees for when you really need to get into the crawlspace for a good reason. And, as we know, that good reason will never be repairing the adverse effects of the “bubble foil.” Keep up the great work and tips. They are truly appreciated.
Well you’re definitely correct about the mice getting into and ruining the pink fiberglass insulation. I’ve been removing ruined insulation from under my raised floor house and I am planning to try “foil bubble wrap” as well as foam board to see which works best and is most affordable. Thanks for spending your time doing these videos!
Do you have any answers yet of comparison between this and foam board?
I watched your first video on this and your second one has only confirmed it. There is no substitute for experience.
I have (soon to be had) rats, not mice in my newly inherited house, as the squatters who had been living there were absolute slobs. The rats in the attic had literally destroyed the fiberglass insulation, chewed holes in the walls, etc. I'm bringing in a quite effective cat, pellet guns, and rat traps, and I was loathe to add more fiberglass for the very reasons you mentioned. Your two videos on insulation have been the biggest change in my plan for what to do.
I can't thank you enough. I subscribed right away, because your attitude & experience makes you exactly the kind of person I want to learn from. Thank you again for making videos and sharing your knowledge.
Re the rats, there's a great You Tube video on how to get rid of rats using a mixture of baking soda & Jiffy cornbread mix. The rats eat it & it builds up gas that they can't expel & it kills them. Very effective & cheap remedy.
P.S. I have eliminated ALL the rodents, cleaned out underneath the house, and installed bubble foil as shown above. I am delighted with the results, including the reduced heating costs, and the warm floors. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart!!!
The Reflectix works well on the skirting because heat always moves to cold, but it also must have a space for the heat to reflect back to. You are correct about the insulation under the floor is working against keeping the crawl space warm.
I also think you get some benefit from the warmth of the earth rising up beneath the cabin and being surrounded by your insulated skirting. Way to hold your ground Boss!!
I get an education from all your videos JC! Keep them coming! Forget the critics of your videos!
I'm working a house right now that's pier and beam. You've sold me. I think this is the way I'm gonna go. Thanks!
Thank you this information!! We only go to our cabin every couple of weeks and we have struggled for years with rodents problems and them getting into the insulation over and over again. Now that I have seen this I am so excited to get underneath and rip all that crap out and do it this way. Thank you for sharing this and helping us solve our problem. This is what UA-cam is for, sharing ideas... if the idea doesn’t work for you then move on, not sure why people have to talk crap. Keep posting and sharing your ideas, please. Thanks from the Rocky Mtns.
Well Boss, I'm building a 2700 sq ft house, and guess what? My floors are going to have the "Bubble Wrap" under them. Thanks to you I'm doing this. I told the inspector and he was impressed. Anytime you want to come to NC and help, feel free. I always enjoy and respect the ideas you come up with. You keep make this videos and I'll keep watching. Thanks Boss
Best of luck with your project :-)
Good for you ☺ I don't know anything about building cabin etc. But your cabin seems very nice and good work. You are a nice man and you take time of your life to post videos about your life and I am very happy to watch your videos so thanks from Sweden ☺
Thank you Daniel and all the best to you.
I like your common sense approach to your insulating job, when it works then use it.
Great Vid JC. Let the haters hate. They are jealous that you have the common sense that they lack.
It works for you, you generously shared it with us, and some people just have to shoot holes in things
they can't get their head around. Thanks for sharing!! God Bless!!!
I love proving them wrong. Stay tuned for the next salt ice debate haha
Agree 100%!!!
@@thebossoftheswamp Hello sir, I love your program..
I have a 8x12 tiny cabin.
The temps can be in teens & just about 5 degrees in winter.
Can I use this insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor and use nothing else. I do not know much about building codes, but I do want to be warm with the right insulation and a small wood stove in winter. Can you help me. It is up off ground so I can get underneath. And walls can I staple this to studs before applying inside wall boards. I need serious help, on a budget but need to stay warm.
Harvey-60
@@harvdog5669 I have used the foil for walls, roof and ceilings but I wouldn't completely surround myself with it. like your shed, I would do the floor and roof but use fiberglass in the walls. A building needs to breath just like we do. I would staple it between the studs and directly to the sheathing. If it was applied over the top of the studs, condensation may form in that airspace as the building is heated. Just my 2 cents.
I love you man you are straight to the point to prove to the naysayers that heat does not go down through the floor joists all you need is a thermal camera and everybody shuts up from that point on have a good day man love watching your vids
JC- Don’t let these clowns that don’t know shit get to you! Knowledge like yours can’t be learned from a text book, it comes from living the experience. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of what WORKS!
They're more entertaining than annoying, especially the comments about the salt ice :-D
KISS...see the wire and floor, nothing frozen while feeling the heat so good...thanks!
We're starting to insulate the floor but I wanted to watch your video again thanks for all the great info. Definitely doing exactly how you did your cabin.
What you say is true! That stuff is amazing!!
I sense your frustration boss. I skirted my cottage the same way except I ran a vapor barrier along the dirt floor and up over the bubble foil to the sil plate. Saved me over $500 bucks the first winter in heating costs and fixed my humidity problem as well. Sometimes it’s about creating dead air and not so much about the r value. F the trolls. You do you bud.
So very true. I'll be covering the ground as well when I'm finished digging under there. Definitely a good thing to do :-)
Boss... great insight there. Living in cottage country here in the middle of Ontario, Canada I've seen more than a few dozen cabins/cottages on piers with failed attempts to insulate the floors with fiberglass insulation... the rodents just simply chew their way into this wonderful haven of warm space and completely ruin the efforts of the property owner.. great advice and good "backwoods logic".. I'd give two thumbs up but they only allow one...
I love your matter-of-fact-ness!!! My wife and I just bought a shed (12x24) and are wondering how to insulate it. Lucky for us, we have a small camper that we used bubble foil in, and already know how well it works. Your video is the voice of experience I needed. THANK YOU!!
Glad to help!
I like the way you think !!
Common sense, experience & right thinking = your knowledge ! Keep the faith, brother !!
The experts said Hillary was going to be President , the experts claimed we would all be driving flying cars by now, The experts claimed the Titanic was unsinkable ........... The builder says I live here and my floors are warm and I am happy ........ Practical experience wins
PS why did you show your plumbing and electrical under there ? feeling frisky still ? LOL
And the Russians but hey.
🤣🤣🤣❤🤣🤣🤣
The Russians part was and still is true. So there is that truth.
😥Sadly People Lie.
Evil runs rampant.
Good Thing's come to those who wait.
I wonder if the bubble foil help's to keep Radeon from seeping into the cabin❓
You made this video 4 yrs ago, providentially, I’m watching it because it came up in my feed. I’m building a chicken house/shed and one of the big conundrums about designing the floor was how to insulate, how not to encourage rodents and whether or not to lift it off the ground, due to cold airflow potentially freezing the floor even with insulation. I’ve seen this product before. I’m going to use it to insulate both skirting and floor. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this JEWEL of a tip! Best Regards! Christina
If you click the VIDEOS tab on my channel, you will find a very recent update on this insulation with useful info regarding other applications. My hen house is insulated with this too.
Oh, those experts, JC. They've had a field day on me lately.
YES!!
I was thinking about this video and I had a thought. Maybe your floor is cold and the experts haven't told you yet! Whoa! Mind-blowing!
We had a pole barn/garage/workshop built last year and had that insulation put on(they call it double bubble here in KY). We put the vehicles in there after they had snow and ice on them in 0-10 weather. Without any heat source, the snow and ice melted off the trucks. So it had to be above freezing in there, and that means a 30 or more degree shift with just double bubble and no heat source. I should've put a thermometer in there but didn't think of until afterwards, now I'm a believer yessah. ; )
you make me laugh, I love your no -nonsense thought process.
Just came through an Australian summer (Temps up to 48 C. 118 F on the hottest day - down to 31 C - 89 F overnight.) and I have fitted the bubble foil - on your advice - under, in the walls and in the ceiling. The House is in central North Queensland (Hughenden) and has only recently (last October) had the internal walls clad (Also with your idea of plaster rendering) I put the bubble foil in and we did not need Air conditioning this whole summer. Admittedly the house is on tall stilts and flow through design for breezes and we did have breezes most of the time. Luckily, the humidity was not high this year.
Thank you for this advice, this follow up and the many - many ways you have made it possible for me to make my places better...every day.
Thank you for your success report Frank. All the best to you :-)
Good for you. You tell 'em Boss. I can attest to its value of bubble foil as I have used it in my little 1975 Cardinal 10ft travel trailer remodel. YES, It made a difference!! I have camped in late October in the mountains of Sierra Nevada's in northern CA, and it snowed!
Thanks for posting
Serious, common sense. People get nuts with building, "air-tight," and high R-value. The bubble wrap method seems to hit the sweet spot of providing a vapor barrier and insulation, but still enough flow through heat to keep the crawl space from freezing. Perfect for a cabin, and keeps the mice out which is a major victory! Great video!!!
I'm building my own camp next year and you sold me on this method. I wasn't planning on skirting but what a must for pier foundations . Appreciate the tutorial.
A must indeed. You won't be sorry.
I could see this method being used in winter storage of vegetables/produce... Brilliant! Thank you!
Most people repeat what they've learned from others. They trust their source of information and buy into the theories. This is how disinformation becomes a fad. And how a multitude of various practices are degrading our quality of life. I admire the ambitious ones who ask "why?" and persever to discover the truth for themselves!
OMG yes. The regurgitated information on Utube is off the charts. Learn it and teach it all in the same day :-o
All the best :-)
You've said it a hundred times if you've said it once...."some people just have to make it more complicated than it needs to be". Good video.
You tell them, Boss!
Found this after dealing with mice and one snake getting into my cabin. I live in Texas, block from Brazos River so rodents & such are part of the life. I’ve used the “bubble wrap “ to keep my school bus/studio Warmer & cooler, used in the cabin window for the same reason. If it works, it works!
Come Spring, I’m gonna put (bubble wrap) under my two cabins and bus!
Thankyou Shari
Hey JC...!
I insulated my Playmate cooler just like you said in your video and my drinks/food stays cold now while I am out fishing all day.
I bought more bubble wrap and getting ready to insulate my shed.
When I first started watching your channel, I watched every episode in one night.
Keep doing what you are doing. You are a very wise man...
Love your videos!
That was quite the bossathon haha. All the best :-)
@@thebossoftheswamp Howdy friend,
I love how you share truth with whoever needs to hear it.
I have a pre built graceland building, with out any insulation, it can be 9 degrees in winter here. I already decided before watching your video, that I need to make the tiny shed warm.
So I want to put the foil under floor or on top of existing 5/8 ply wood floor, if I go on top, I have plenty room for a layer of 1/2 inch plywood on top of that.,,
Then put my door in.
I want to use the foil in walls & ceiling as well. Or what do you suggest in walls & ceiling for a good fix on tight income.
I have great roof ventilation and a metal roof and great out door siding. The roof has a 1 inch insulation board under metal roof as well..
Please help. From Harvey on a budget. Thankyou sir. You seem so real. I appreciate your view on what works and what does not work.
Love your channel.
I will keep watching till you stop.. by the way, my tiny cabin is 8X12.
I am staying away from permits.
My other main cabin will be a 16X24 or 28 with a metal roof.
I might need to get a permit on that. Thankyou again, keep helping folks, we love you.
See you in the next video.
@@thebossoftheswamp MY FAVORITE CABIN GUY.
Love your videos..
If I insulate my tiny cabin floor underneath like you have done. When I leave in the winter, will my pipes freeze.??
I want to put R-19in walls and cover over the wall studs with REFLECTEC, Then put on wall boards.
The ceiling will be R-38 then REFLECTEC ON CEILING RAFTERS over lnsulation, then ceiling boards.
Will my cabin freeze-up..
Do I need to drain all my water in my pipes.
It can be between 5 degrees and
26 in the winter on the mountain here at 6800 feet in northern Arizona.
My buddy thinks I am crazy for wanting to use REFLECTEC , mostly in my floors...I have said nothing to him about the walls...
What happens to your cabin when you leave it unattended in the winter....???? Thankyou for doing great videos. Keep making more...I do not doubt the effectiveness of REFLECTEC myself, just by watching your videos..please let me know your opinion about what I will do with the ceiling and walls.
@@harvdog5669 My cabin holds the heat for a long time but if no heat is generated for a long time, then the inside temp and outside temp will eventually equal out and yes it would freeze. I honestly don't know how well it'll work to attach interior wall board directly to the reflectix. I'm presently insulating the upstairs of our garage project by putting unfaced insulation between the rafters, then stapling reflectix to the underside of the rafters, then strapping over the foil and will sheetrock over the strapping. This gives me a hard surface to screw the sheetrock to and leaves a 3/4" airspace between the sheetrock and the foil (which creates an insulation in itself).
@@thebossoftheswamp Thankyou sir.
I love breathing outside fresh air.
And like you mentioned that if it is to thick or dense and tightly closed up,, one needs to crack a window at each end of cabin or house like with a swamp cooler, from time to time to refresh the air.. I am thinking a little over kill on staying warm and keeping drafts down to a minimum, especially in winter is a better trade off for winter 🥶🥶 in cold months makes for a happier situation. LOL LOL 😆🤠🤠🤠🤠
Thankyou for all your advice and tips on cabin living.
I believe so n you.
Keep up with your favorite projects and videos.
Your fan Harvey..
Thank you so much for this video! I am changing the insulation in my 320 sq ft cabin from fiberglass to bubble foil because of your video. The fiberglass was a magnet for rodents and the condensation was a pain. I’m a 52 year old woman, and I am doing it myself. It’s a lot of work, but it’s pretty easy. And the floor is bone dry!! Thank you for sharing your idea!!
Just a reminder that the bubble foil sold at Home depot is NOT what I use . They changed what they carry and it's made very cheaply. This is the brand I use: amzn.to/39Om4LL
Good luck with your project.
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@@thebossoftheswamp Thank you very much! Yes, I followed your link! 🙂
@@thebossoftheswamp Hi, JC! I have a couple of questions. What did you insulate the water pipes? And how did you insulate tight spaces? Thank you very much!
@@thebossoftheswamp Hi JC, I just wanted to share this info with you to alert your subscribers. The link to the Amazon product is for the Reflectix brand. However, some third party sellers send a cheap version. I ended up receiving what appears to be the US Energy Products brand. I found this out because I had ordered an extra roll from Walmart (third party seller). This roll came in a proper Reflectix brand case and packaging. The ones that I had received from Amazon came in an unmarked box without any packaging. Most importantly, the quality was CLEARLY better than the ones I got from Amazon. The difference was stark. When I cut the Amazon version, sometimes, the foil would peel right off, and ended up with just the plastic bubble, which would pop at the slightest pressure. It’s very unfortunate that third party sellers can just send whatever they want.
"The proof is in the pudding..." Well said JC. Different techniques other than cookie cutter construction very much works. I've lived around the world and have seen many types of alternative construction that was successful. Rock on man.
"And this is frozen pudding" -- Great line! Love it :D
No no put the insulation under the floor to the bottom of your floor joist and put it up there with wire or whatever you want to do you will find your roads up there when I get up there they will crawl up there and die and then they stink LOL I found out the hard way you are absolutely right the way you're doing it it's just amazing how some people have to tell other people how to do things do it your way if you if you were wrong it would be money out of your pocket not theirs I like the way you do it and I've done it your way and it's the way to do it God bless take care have a good day love your program
I love your videos. I am far more likely to follow a tried & true tested method like yours than a 100 so called "independent" reviews. I am having a shed delivered in a couple of weeks and will definitely incorporate your flooring and skirting insulation methods shown here. Great video!
The same people that are complaining about your insulating tactics (which are better than what most people use by the way) are the same people that will drywall their basement ceiling in a house in the city. ONE TIME a pipe bursts or you have to get at your electrical system you have to rip down 1/4 to 1/2 the ceiling to find and fix the problem, causing thousands of dollars worth of time and repair. You've now avoided all of this. Good work. -source: I am a contractor and have done insulation and wiring under homes professionally as a contractor for years.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts :-)
We use the stuff here in Texas in the attic. My AC bill went down by nearly 50 percent after tenting the attic with "bubble foil" . Worth every penny!
Would love to see pics of your attic ‘tenting’.
Bullshit! I love it! I’ve been watching your vids since the first one, I’m 60 years old and have dabbled in a little bit of every thing over the years. One reason I keep watching your channel and stop watching 99 percent of other channels is the fact that when you say or show something it’s worth listening and watching. All these freggin u tube experts, they probably have never done a damn thing on their own. You admit when your not an expert on subjects and even admit you hate working on things like cars and electrical projects. Your carpentry skills are second to none and yes sometimes we learn things that you wouldn’t think work actually do. Any way keep the great ideas coming, some of us don’t know every thing and gain a lot from them. Have a good holiday weekend.
Thank you for the videos! I begin building next spring, so I'm trying to learn from everyone who came before me and how to effectively insulate the floor has been puzzling me for a while. Once again, thank you!
You won't regret this. If you're on piers, insulate the skirting more than the floor.
I like this guy…he’s as country and common sense as you can get 👍. I’m working on a cabin at the moment and I’ve been reluctant on putting wool insulation because its warmth will attracts rodents, just spoke to an “expert” about my rodent concern and he was recommending all other stuffs I will need to buy and fix to solve that problem…but something (I’ll say the voice of God) in me said there as to be another way out and after searching UA-cam I stumbled on your video …you just helped solve my problem and save me from spending lots of $$$$ as “the expert” advised me for something that will fail after a few years …you da man 😁👍
One layer of this stuff is all I have beneath the floors of ALL of my structures. I went to buy a few rolls the other day at Home Depot and they had some other off brand that was half the thickness of what I use. I didn't buy it. This is the brand I use: amzn.to/3uhCaWr
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Kickass boss I am with you 100 percent and I am going to do it!
If rodents move into any warm cavity . Why are they not in the crawl space? The other thing is frost in the ground can reach 4 feet deep . How do you explain the frozen ground outside but 4 inches into your crawl space the ground is not frozen. This makes no sense unless you are heating the space. So dig down under the crawl space at the wall and tell me that ground isn’t frozen. What you are telling us is impossible according to all physical laws of energy conservation. So it must be bullshit, pardon my French
@@robertlongley5731 Heat rises. Even if it were being heated in the slightest, it wouldn’t be noticeable. Plus it’s a small space. No one is telling you that you should bubble foil your 5000 sqft house. It seems like you are trying to make an argument when there is proof in front of your face. What more do you want, the science behind it?
You can’t argue with success. Bubble foils make a great vapour barrier as well as an excellent insulator. This spring I need to replace my cabin floor and insulate it. This is how I will do it. Great for retrofit jobs. Cheers
It's awesome stuff. The only people that gripe about it are people that haven't used it.
One positive attribute I noticed is the height of the floor joists above grade where it looks like you are perhaps approximately 42" to 48" to the bottom of the joists which allows a static plenum of air to exist and having the skirt insulated with the bubble-foil keeps the air warmed. You also must be oriented on the lot away from downhill running drainage. If water vapor ever became a minor concern you could consider installing a couple of solar-powered fans to circulate air to reduce water vapor.
Thank you for suggesting and showing the practicality of the bubble-foil at work.
I've always thought that a lot of you folks that have a you tube channel open your selves to people who have nothing better to do than critique other people's experience. Take it with a grain of salt Boss because you'll never change the naysayers !!! I'm in my 70's and have become a you tube fan boy !! In the last few years I've done my own truck repairs by watching videos and will continue to take advice from folks that offer me the benefit of their wisdom. "WORKS FOR ME" would make a great bumper sticker haha There is an unbelievable wealth of information available on the internet in the form of videos and to not use this resource to your advantage in this day and age is foolhardy. Thank you for sharing your experience in "WHAT WORKS FOR ME"
Your senior fan boy-Stan
Well said brother. Glad you find my postings beneficial :-)
It works by stopping your floor panels getting dew drops on the underside. The wetting drying cycle would otherwise suck a whole load of heat through the floor. Air is a great insulator. So long as you eliminate huge draughts through your crawl space with your sidings you've got a sensible setup.
@ Colin Chapman Oh! No kidding.
Your my hero! I love your thoughts, sense of humor. Everything u commented on. Thanks so much. Gonna save this video! Fantastic!
Thanks JC, I always enjoy learning from your experiences and am grateful for you passing on your knowledge that you’ve gained. Keep up the great work👍
This reminds me of video you shot about freezing salt water vs fresh....all the "Experts" refused to except the backwoods logic
They still chime in with their techy jargon. New salt ice video coming soon :-)
Keyboard expert's ?. As I said a while ago I showed my friend your video on how you insulated the cabin he done the same to his parkhome (mobile home) and it made the world of difference, some of the doubtful on the site are now doing the same!. Take care and stay safe.
EXCELLENT information!! Thank you so much for the plain explanation. Simple, functional, straightforward!!!
Thank you . I have an update on this coming later this week.
I first used it in my ice shanty years ago just a coelman latern would cook u out great stuff put it my house after that
I'm sold on your idea
Hubby and I totally love the idea. We were trying to think of how to do ours, we live in a trailer and live in Northern Michigan and yes deal with peskey rodents too of which I truly hate but I hate giving our money to old man winter so I think we're gonna try this and see if it'll wrk for us as well. Thanks so much 👍
You're welcome :-)
I found your videos looking for a cheaper, rodent safe alternative to fiberglass to separate my basement from the house floors.
So even though I don't have a cabin the information has served me well
I love your method Boss !
I really like your "French" too !
Thank you for sharing !
Lol 😂 Janie D
Thanks this is exactly what I was thinking about on my work shed.
Boss I found out in 65 yrs there’s assholes in every state city and country exper always is the best way to go
Bubble foil works for me. Keep it simple brother! You’re the best I’m learning so much from your videos.
Thank you for saying so :-)
Great vid. Back woods logic. Practical experience rules!
It's nice to finally stumble upon your cabin videos while dealing with these exact scenarios. I'm building a 24x28 foot lofted cabin on a piece of land i bought right beside the raquette river. It's pier and beam. Appreciate you and all that you do Boss! I think I've been overthinking this step. This gives me confidence.
Goo to hear from you buddy and go luck with your build. What town is your property in?
I agree !! My uncle is a Master Restoration Carpenter, who has worked on old houses of our founding fathers . He says house's have to breathe to live ... ! Sealing everything up too tight will kill your house and your health !!!!!!
Mr C U 👍
Informative and humble.
Win, win i would say.
Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it