That’s A Wrap

by marjasisu, posted in Camp Many Moons

Before a house is roofed, it should be wrapped. So say the construction experts. So we did, pulling this light-weight but strong stuff across the walls and around the corners, then stapling it into the wood frame. Each roll was 9′ x 100′. We managed it, between the two of us and with the help of ladders, but I’ve never been more conscious of my height disadvantage.

The “stuff” is Tyvek HomeWrap, made of high-density polyethylene fiber. It allows moisture to pass through – in both directions – which helps prevent mold and water damage. (I can’t quite figure out how it keeps moisture out while also letting it escape…same as the high-tech clothing I like so much, which is both waterproof and breathable. Material science is so awesome!)

I remain amazed and intrigued by all these bones and sinews of a home. One big reason for going the “DIY route” is so that I can visualize all that lies behind and below — because what’s invisible can be even more important than what’s visible. (That goes for humans, too.)

And I continue to trust the expertise of those who know more about this business than I do. It’s interesting to notice how much of a role expertise and experience plays in the construction business–as it should. But why doesn’t that apply equally to other businesses and areas of life? I’m thinking of our nation’s greatest expert in infectious diseases, Dr. Fauci, whose recommendations about COVID management were disregarded and even mocked by so many who had no direct experience — never mind expertise — in that area. (My own view comes from experience as well as a general trust in deep expertise. I worked closely with his parent agency, the National Institutes of Health, while working at the National Science Foundation.) Yep, I know. Politics played a major role in all that. But still. We all rely on others in areas where we our own knowledge is lacking. It’s interesting to note how reluctant some are to do that when our bodies are involved. Maybe it’s not surprising. Our bodies are so much more … personal … than construction choices and materials! More construction photos and captions below.

Jeff’s tall enough to hold the 9-foot-high wrap without aid, whereas I — on the other end of it – had to often stand on a ladder.
The emerging house looks less appealing when it’s wrapped in ad-laden garb.
But once Jeff cut out the windows and doors, it looks like a house again. Roscoe, the Siberian Husky, still remains mostly oblivious to what’s emerging behind his dog house.
Between stints as Jeff’s assistant, I moved this cedar wood pile, which was blocking the view from the house, to this new location near the waterfront. Over the past five years, I’ve stacked or split or moved a few dozen wood piles, I think…some big, some small. We meant to construct a wood shed, but now the house is taking priority. It’s ok. This works.
I was glad Jeff took a time-out to try out a newly-acquired motor on the old jon boat. He is a dogged worker, and I used to be also…but now that I’m retired, I find that his constant physical activity gets me edgy. Those who know me as an “action person” will probably laugh at that!
My own outings are abbreviated these days, as I’m distracted constantly by the “what’s-next” question. (The building schedule is largely dictated by the short building season, so it’s important to keep the momentum going. Which means make the next decision, and the next.) Jeff took this shot of me doing an evening paddle through the window of the camper.

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