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Posted by Franz [4.157.20.41] on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 00:51:51 :
In Reply to: Re: Dirt floor, insulated. THX for ideas. posted by Doug In CO [68.177.208.75] on Sunday, December 09, 2012 at 21:26:50 :
It is said all questions contain their own answers. This one certainly did.
If you're concerned with moisture & condensation issues, vent the building with a small fan at the top. Moving air being exhausted rarely yields condensation. I've proven it enough times.
Your second issue is the dirt floor.
The Q hut above dirt is a solar still drawing moisture from the dirt, and you aren't going to stop it until you seal the dirt.
Options for that begin with buying up a lot of asphalt sealer at the end of the summer and coating the dirt inside the building, Dirtcrete, recycled asphalt millings or concrete. Of course if you happen to know a commercial roofer you can often score rubber roofing that is being removed for replacement and lay that on the dirt. It offers many benefits, from vapor barrier to excellent base for any floor installed above.
Before any consideration is given to heating in your area you should first learn about frost aprons. Remember frost begins on top of the ground and travels horizontally then down. 2 to 4" of styrofoam installed verticly at the edge of your floor will save tons of money over time heating. You need to know your local frost patterns before attempting to heat any such building. Doing it right to begin with is a big cost saving.
Temporary heat, propane infrared panel on top of a 100# cylinder will accomplish a lot for keeping you warm on short duration jobs. Mud decks are another wonderful thing, they are simple enough to build from scrap wood or even pallets, and keep you above the ground.
If you have one of the large weed burner/roofing torches, stick it in the end of a 4" heavy wall or even exhaust pipe held 2" above ground, lay a 24" strip of aluminum foil or flashing under the pipe, and slat deck above it. It will keep you very warm working on the deck. Just remember propane eats oxygen and produces acidic water vapor. Vent accordingly.