Sealing primitive walls

[goalieman24]

New house, new garage project. It was once detached but has been connected, however it still has the makings of a primitive detached structure. Good bones, great space... just needs to be classed up.

Not sure if this type of "technique" has a technical name but it's basically wood siding with little slats on the inside covering the space between boards. The first order of business will be to seal up the inside where the slats aren't covering the gaps. I suppose I could just repair the problem areas with new slats but there are enough (as well as a few other imperfections in the boards) that it seems like it would be pretty laborious patch work.

The main goal is to provide a seal against moisture as well as insects/critters. Ultimately the inside walls will be "finished" to cover up the studs... probably just with plywood. Not sure if I will insulate it.... however a spray foam is seeming (to me anyway) to be one of the most efficient ways to handle this.

See pictures below of interior and exterior. Some of the gaps are as pictured where the slat is either warped or has just become unattached... some are where the slat just isn't the right size and there are gaps at the top/bottom.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Looks like a reverse board and batten.

I would sheath the exterior, add some house wrap and finish it with the same covering as the house.

 

[nadogail]

It might still be Board and Batten just seen from another perspective. I would think it would be less desirable than the conventional manner.
With conventional Board and Batten the building can be built with green lumber and the battens nailed on only one edge, the other edge can be nailed after the lumber dries out.

 

[beemerphile]

It is called reverse board and batten. You might consider polyiso sheets with taped seams if the price of spray foam causes indigestion. Well, the price of EVERYTHING causes indigestion these days.

 

[walta]

To my eye it looks like a 120 year old barn/shed they get wet and dry quickly before anything starts to mold or rot it a system that has work well for a long time the stuff inside is mostly dry and it is drafty.

I say leave it as is if you can if you must change it pull off the "barn wood" sell it to a decorator for big money cover the building with sheeting house wrap and vinyl siding.

When you start filling the gaps the wood no longer dries quickly and before you know it things are moldy and rotten.



Walta

 

[Kaizen]

Agree don't try to mend it. Sheath outside. With the cost of lumber i think i'd remove and sell it or stock it for a project.