Insulation or fill

[barnjunkie]

I can't seem to think of a way to seal the spaces where the corrugated metal is against my bottom 2x6 on my pole barn.

My floor is going to be concrete and will be filled to the top of the 2x6, but the metal that meets the 2x6 is going to have gaps.

I am wondering if anyone has had a solution that has a neat appearance that would seal the holes.
Currently I have an issue with spiders using the spaces for throwing parties. I have thought about mixing a thin mortar or something like that, but I just want a simple solution that would solve the problem and look like it should be there.

 

[Forever Fixin]

Are you trying to fill the gaps from the inside or from the outside? Or doesn't matter as long as they are filled? If from the outside they make a bottom trim like this http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/pole-barn-post-frame-materials/post-frame-building-trims/12-3-bottom-trim/p-2031471-c-5720.htm. If from the inside many times depending on who you got your steel from they make a foam closure strip that would match the profile of the steel like this http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/pole-barn-post-frame-materials/post-frame-tools-accessories/pro-rib-reg-inside-closure-4-pack/p-1808126-c-5713.htm

 

[bazzateer]

Leave the gaps for ventilation, insulate, vapour barrier and fit OSB walls. The gaps and corrugations provide the air gap needed to stop the insulation getting wet from condensation.

 

[65cayne]

Leave the gaps for ventilation, insulate, vapour barrier and fit OSB walls. The gaps and corrugations provide the air gap needed to stop the insulation getting wet from condensation.

Hypothetically, what would one do if they do not plan (at least for the time being) insulate and install OSB? The rat guard seals up this air gap no? Your point seems valid in theory (especially on the underside of a roof) but houses and many a barn do not ventilate between insulation and exterior wall.

 

[premierplayer]

this
http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...eg-inside-closure-4-pack/p-1808126-c-5713.htm

or spray foam

 

[mx842]

On my building I used the spray foam you get at Lowes. I think they call it Great stuff or something like that. I have the rat guard on the bottom of the medal sheets but spiders and other bugs don't play by the same rules. I filled in those gaps all around my building and I still see where a few find their way in but just not as many. For those that do find a way in I use spray bug killers or my boot........I hate spiders!!

 

[James-W]

I picked up a spray can of bug repellent stuff that you spray on the outside of the building where the insects are coming in. It is supposed to keep the insects from entering the building. It worked reasonably well for me for the ant problem I had, but I am not sure how good it would work for spiders. Might be worth a try though.

 

[bazzateer]

Hypothetically, what would one do if they do not plan (at least for the time being) insulate and install OSB? The rat guard seals up this air gap no? Your point seems valid in theory (especially on the underside of a roof) but houses and many a barn do not ventilate between insulation and exterior wall.

Fair points, I'm just biased in favour of insulating etc after doing mine. It transforms the space. A lot will depend on the OP's climate as well I suppose.

 

[barnjunkie]

Not sure if I will eventually insulate the building. I appreciate the responses, much better alternatives than my idea. I think I may order the profiled foam inserts and see if they will fit well enough to solve my issues.
I would use the spray foam, but I'm afraid if I sprayed them individually, I could not get it to look very good. (same issue with grouting)

Definitely going to use some powerful bug killer though, I hate those things.