On Wednesday we had a meeting with Andrew to discuss scheduling the next part of the build as it seemes like the questions from building control have been resolved and the warrant is likely be issued soon.
The main decisions we are being asked to make are about the groundworks and the Isoquick foundation raft. If we are going to deal with it ourselves, with the help of family and friends, there will be a lot of logistics to deal with and some technically demanding marking out of the plot, all of which makes us anxious.
Looking at the plan and discussing all the different elements with Andrew was difficult to understand. We would also have to meet with Scottish Water to discuss the water connection, SSEN to discuss and oganise the mains power connection, organise the digging of service trenches, laying of pipes, the sewage treatment plant – as you can imagine this is a lot for us to take on being amateurs and inexperienced to boot.
If we appoint a groundworks contractor we can take more of a backseat but Andrew will have to supervise the preparation of the Isoquick insulation and concrete raft.
On Wednesday we continued by making the third panel for the north elevation and managed to make the first panel for the west elevation, which got us round the first corner of our building with one wall complete. Lifting the panels onto the stack is getting a lot more challenging as they are getting very heavy and we needed Andrew’s help to lift GF4.
Today, Thursday, is the last day of the week for building as we are heading to Edinburgh to see our family and some friends tomorrow, so we need to get on with it. We have managed to make panels GF5, the final panel for the west elevation, and GF6 which is the panel with our bedroom window. So now we have all the panels for two elevations and have turned two corners of the building.
Sheeting with OSB
In the picture above you can see the panel frame before it has been sheeted with OSB. The OSB gives the panel more structural strength and allows moisture to pass through which helps to prevent the build up of moisture in the building. This is how we do it.
Measuring
Each sheet of OSB has to be cut to fit the frame, usually in 600mm sections but sometimes we need to measure where to cut out an apertuure such as a window or door. Each sheet of OSB has to have a gap before the next one is attached to allow for the wood to expand in hot weather.
Cutting
The OSB has to be cut to size, here we are using a guide to help us cut a straight line. At other times we use a jig saw, a multitool or a circular saw without the guide to cut out windows and doors.
Nailing
Once we are happy with a board we put a few nails in place to hold it then go onto the next sheet. Once all yhe sheets have been attached we have to go round the panel making sure that there are nails every 150mm around the edge of the panel, around windows or doors and along studs 600mm apart
This is amazing! I love hearing the details of how this is constructed, and the considerations every step of the way. Does the OSB just go in one side, or both?
Only on one side. On the workshop it is on the outside because the insulation is on the inside and on the house thw OSB is on the inside becauser the insulation is on the outside. Why this is so I have yet to discover. Will let you know.
Loving reading these updates. Enjoy your weekend off and good luck with next week’s tasks X
It’s so great to be able to follow your progress, such an exciting project!
It’s wonderful Pete to see the continued progress you guys are making.
Looking forward to the next instalment 🙂
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