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Playhouse cooling issue

voodoowagon

Active member
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
39
Location
FTW Texas
So we are building a 12' * 9' * 12' high playhouse for the daughter. It will have a loft on the top floor and keep in mind this is all on a budget. My worry is the loft area will not cool as good with the window unit so wondering if I should put something over the tar paper, it will be a corrugated roof. Will it make a huge differance to buy a small amount of radiant barrier for the roof?
 
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voodoowagon

Active member
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
39
Location
FTW Texas
Yes it will be rustic on the outside and about 75% recycled materials just like my little playhouse in the pictures.
 

redsky49

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Joined
Jan 21, 2009
Messages
582
Location
near the coast in eastern North Carolina
Do your construction plans allow for any insulation?

Bear in mind that a little insulation is way better than no insulation at all.

Even working with a tight budget, minimal wall and roof insulation will make a major reduction in cooling requirements, and thus a likewise reduction in energy costs.

Site the building and windows to reduce solar load from the south/southwest. If to be used primarily in the summer months, consider white or light exterior colors to reflect as much heat as possible. Perhaps even provide some window awnings to reduce the solar load.

Rather than a low window location for the AC unit, could you place the unit higher in the building to blow (high) into the loft, and encourage return flow (low) from the main floor area. Try to encourage a "loop" airflow pattern.

Will the playhouse be shaded by trees or adjacent buildings? How are you "sizing" the window AC unit? Will you provide a vapor barrier? Do you have plans to properly seal the floor plate, windows, etc. to prevent infiltration?

By utilizing proper construction methods and standards you should be able to build a relatively efficient structure. Take too many shortcuts, and well...

as always, offered only as opinion
 
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rsanter

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Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
18,505
Location
visalia ca
for the roof put a layer of OSB with tar paper on it
install some 2x2 strips over that and then the tin roof on top
install the ridge so there is venting
the sun will heat the air below the tin and the convection will cause an airflow
this will reduce the radiant energy/heat load going into the structure

bob
 
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voodoowagon

Active member
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
39
Location
FTW Texas
Thanks guys, yes there will be a small window unit in it. I have put down the tar paper already, had a big storm come in a few days ago and wanted it to be water tight.

Should I of put the OSB down first and then the tar paper?

The playhouse will have the setting sun behind it so that is a plus, also a plus is the neighbor has a pretty big tree to block some of that heat.
 
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voodoowagon

Active member
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
39
Location
FTW Texas
So are you saying put the AC unit in the loft of the playhouse?

Do your construction plans allow for any insulation?

Bear in mind that a little insulation is way better than no insulation at all.

Even working with a tight budget, minimal wall and roof insulation will make a major reduction in cooling requirements, and thus a likewise reduction in energy costs.

Site the building and windows to reduce solar load from the south/southwest. If to be used primarily in the summer months, consider white or light exterior colors to reflect as much heat as possible. Perhaps even provide some window awnings to reduce the solar load.

Rather than a low window location for the AC unit, could you place the unit higher in the building to blow (high) into the loft, and encourage return flow (low) from the main floor area. Try to encourage a "loop" airflow pattern.

Will the playhouse be shaded by trees or adjacent buildings? How are you "sizing" the window AC unit? Will you provide a vapor barrier? Do you have plans to properly seal the floor plate, windows, etc. to prevent infiltration?

By utilizing proper construction methods and standards you should be able to build a relatively efficient structure. Take too many shortcuts, and well...

as always, offered only as opinion
 

sams ron

Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
5
Sure you can, but the typical yard shed is not inexpensive. They tend to run $1,000 and up. Big $ for a 13 year old. Does your house have an attic, with some rarely visited/used space?
 
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