Totally get what you're saying about practicality, but honestly, sometimes chasing those ghosts is half the fun. I'm building my tiny place near a lake right now, and yeah, moisture's a pain...but salvaged windows add so much character, it's worth the extra hassle (I hope, haha).
I hear you on the charm factor, but have you thought about sealing those salvaged windows with marine-grade varnish or something similar? Might save you headaches down the road... moisture damage can get pricey fast. Curious how you're tackling insulation too—any tips?
"Curious how you're tackling insulation too—any tips?"
Insulation is definitely one of those areas where cutting corners can come back to bite you later. I've seen a few tiny house builds where folks went with spray foam insulation, and honestly, the results were impressive. It seals up tight, fills all those awkward nooks and crannies, and really boosts energy efficiency. The downside is it's pricier upfront, but considering the long-term savings on heating and cooling, it might be worth the investment.
On the windows front, marine-grade varnish is a solid suggestion. Another option I've seen work well is using linseed oil-based finishes—they penetrate deeply into the wood and offer decent moisture protection without compromising that rustic charm you're after. Just make sure to reapply every couple of years or so.
Whatever route you choose, keeping moisture out should be priority number one. I've learned the hard way that water damage repairs are no joke...
Spray foam definitely has its perks, but personally, I've had great luck with sheep's wool insulation. It's eco-friendly, breathable, and handles moisture surprisingly well. Plus, installation is way less messy...just something else to consider if you're exploring options.
"It's eco-friendly, breathable, and handles moisture surprisingly well. Plus, installation is way less messy..."
Glad someone mentioned sheep's wool! I helped a friend build her tiny house last summer, and we ended up going with sheep's wool insulation mostly because she was super into the eco-friendly angle. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—thought it might be too delicate or something—but it turned out pretty impressive. We installed it ourselves over a weekend, and it was actually kinda fun (minus the occasional itchiness).
One thing I noticed right away was how quiet and cozy the space felt afterward. It seemed to regulate temperature really nicely too—warm in winter, cool in summer. Spray foam definitely has its place, especially for sealing tricky spots, but wool insulation just felt...right for a tiny home vibe. Plus, there's something satisfying about knowing your walls are stuffed with natural materials instead of chemicals. Curious if anyone else has tried other natural insulation options like hemp or cork?
