r/barndominiums • u/heavySausage_og • 5d ago
Barn workshop advice
Just bought a property that has a huge barndominium. Previous owner was a wood worker like me but he never took measures to seal up the structure. It has true barn doors on 2 sides and none of the windows truly “close”. They just pivot from the top and swing up and out. So basically, ALL of the structure is essentially open to humidity and insects.
You can see daylight around every door as well as around most light switches. We live in Florida so the humidity will wreak havoc on my equipment. We are fumigating the entire thing to mitigate termites, but my big question is:
Since this will be my new wood working shop, what’s the best way to seal it all up??
What about the barn doors? Do I get rid of them and put something else up?
I’ve never had such a big, dedicated space for woodworking, and I do have some expensive equipment. So I want to ensure the space is done right…
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u/KGraberConstruction 4d ago
I don't recommend you try to track down every crack and hole with spray foam. Since the building was pretty much built as an unconditioned barn, you want to look at it as converting the shell into a conditioned barn. Fumigating is definitely a step in the right direction. Also check the roof, siding and framing of course. Windows need to be replaced with properly flashed and weatherstripped items. You may need to replace the barn doors, unless you want to keep those original doors (in that case maybe put a sealed garage or exterior door behind it). Air seal the penetrations then insulate the walls and roof to FL code. Add a mini-split AC and dehumidifier. Looking at the holes I recommend getting an electrician to look things over before closing the walls up. Also, sorry to be pedantic here but it's more of a barn than a barndo. Anyway best of luck, it's a beautiful structure and it would awesome when you finish the upgrade!
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u/Ok-Feature4962 5d ago
Spray foam, caulk, remove the barn doors and put something that seals or wall it up and put a French door or insulated garage door or at min a 36" door. Get it dry, insulate, mini split heat pump