Sealing holes

[rdagger]

I have a small unfinished wood frame garage built in the 30’s. I’m going to add insulation and drywall. The original wood siding is in good condition but there are dozens of nail size holes and cracks in the siding. During the day with the lights off, it reminds me of a planetarium. The contractor (my father-in-law) said I don’t need to worry about the holes because of the insulation. The HVAC guy also said not to worry about the holes because the old wood siding would absorb any moisture that gets in. Are these guys right? I don’t know much about insulation, but I’m thinking silicone or even tar paper between the studs? I live in a desert climate.

 

[jklingel]

They are probably right, for rain, anyway. The only rain problem those holes could cause is if the wind drives rain straight in, more than likely. Tar paper should not hurt, as it is vapor permeable and it will cut down on air leaking into/out of the insulation and taking btu's w/ it. If available, use better insulation than fiberglass. Cellulose, cotton, or rock wool.

 

[rdagger]

Unfortunately, we already bought the fiberglass and started cutting it. I told them not to put it up yet. The termite guy came by today and told me I should fill the holes to prevent against dry wood termites. Maybe I'll do silicone and tar paper. It gets hot here and I'd like to keep the AC costs down.

 

[cowboyjosh]

Id take care of the holes, at least you wont then question yourself later and if your concerned enough about it now, take care of it now before you can't take care of it; you'll sleep better knowing you didn't cut any corners.

 

[blue dog]

I would also be concerned about the insulation getting wet from the holes, mold will grow on wet insulation. where are you located?
can you post a pic of the holes you are talking about. you could bondo the holes if there not everywhere.

 

[rockchucker]

Just go buy a case of good 50 year Caulk and go to town. You can even get them from both sides so the Caulk adheres to itself on the outside and the inside. You do not want holes in the Exterior of any Building that sees moisture. Especially when Insulation is right behind the hole.

Pics would help immensely.

 

[jkeyser14]

To handle the termites go and buy a 5 gallon bucket of Timbor. It's a salt based termite killer that's non-toxic. It works by clogging the parts of their digestive system that process food, so it winds up starving them to death as they eat the wood. I purchased a bucket for about $70 last year. You mix it with water and spray it on all of your exposed wood. It penetrates the wood and lasts the lifetime of the wood.

Cheap, simple, effective, no downsides that I was able to find.

 

[rsanter]

how about a couple layers of paint to close up the holes?

bob