Starting Point: Before 21W Construction
21W Week 4
1/26/21: Blower Door Test
A blower door test was done to measure how tight the envelope seal was at the start of the project. We realized that there were some pretty significant air leaks in the structure, so we brought in a fog machine and set it off inside the station. From the outside, we were able to locate where the air was escaping, and therefore where we needed to add material to close the gaps.
1/27/21: Framing for South Wall Windows
The framing was completed on the south side of the station. The existing studs had to be measured then cut with a reciprocating saw, finishing the cut with a hand saw, and then hammered out until they could be lifted away with a crow bar. The framing was done making sure to double up on the wood on the outside of the window in order to support the extra load now that the studs were cut.
1/31/21: Cutting Out South Wall Windows, Removing Door from East Wall, Framing New Door Location and Window on North Wall
The windows on the south side were cut out of the ZIP System using a circular saw. We removed the door that was initially on the east side of the structure, cut/cleaned the wall cavity left behind, and began the process of cutting/framing the window and new door location on the north side of the structure—this process is the same as that mentioned on 1/27/21.
21W Week 5
2/2/21: Closing East Wall Door Cavity and Framing East Wall Window, Framing and Cutting Out North Wall Door and Window
In order to repurpose part of the framing used for the old door location on the east side wall, we had to cut custom wood widths to make the new window framing. Then extra ZIP System was used to close the old door's cavity. The framing and cutting was completed on the east side wall window, along with the north side wall door and window—this process is same as mentioned on 1/27/21.
2/3/21: SIGA Rep Demonstrates Use of Products
2/5/21: Sticking SIGA Majvest onto Exterior
The SIGA Majvest is used to keep outside moisture from getting into the structure's envelope. The Majvest sticker was applied to all exterior walls of the station.
2/6/21: Finishing Applying Majvest and Insulating the Floor
The Majvest was finished being applied, and tape was used to insure no gaps in the envelope. Two strips were cut out of the floor using a circular saw, then a crowbar was used to pry the strips up. The loose-fill insulation was stuffed beneath the floor. Then, the wooden strips were put back in place and screwed down.
21W Week 6
2/9/21: Ceiling Stud Extension
We extended the ceiling studs down in order to create more room to pack insulation between studs and also to make an easier surface upon which to install the interior siding. Previously, the center board created potential challenges, but now with two pieces of wood meeting at a point in the center, only two pieces of paneling are needed to join the ceiling.
2/10/21: Installing Windows and Putting up SIGA Majrex
The windows were installed. SIGA Majrex is a vapor control layer that also acts as a membrane to keep the loose-fill insulation in the wall between the studs. The Majrex was put up and taped thoroughly to make sure the envelope was tightly sealed.
2/11/21: First Layer of Insulation and Door Installation
The first layer of insulation was installed behind the Majrex membrane. Cuts were made in the membrane in order to hand stuff the insulation between the studs. The door was also installed in the north side wall.
2/13/21: Finish First Layer of Insulation
The first layer of insulation was completed. The holes used to stuff insulation behind the Majrex were taped, along with the holes from staples.
21W Week 7
2/16/21: Finish Taping and Second Stud Wall
Once taping of the Majrex membrane was completed, construction of the second stud wall began. We added vertical pieces of wood at each ceiling stud as a connection to drill the top of the wall into.
2/17/21: Second Stud Wall
The second wall was constructed with studs offset from first wall's studs to prevent thermal bridging through the envelope.
2/19/21: Second Stud Wall and Ventilation
The second stud wall was completed and the hole necessary for ventilation was installed, cutting through the envelope.
21W: Week 8
2/24/21: Ventilated Underlay and Shingles
The ventilated underlay was stapled to the exterior of the structure. It is put in place to provide airflow between the exterior wall and the cedar shingles which were then nailed on top of the underlay. Exterior framings for the windows were also constructed.
