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Insulating above a root cellar

user-872446 | Posted in General Questions on

I am considering putting a root cellar under a house that I am planning to build. Because it will be used to store foodstuffs, I wish for it to stay cool, therefore I won’t insulate either the floor or walls. However, I wish to insulate the wood-framed ceiling above, which is the floor for the living space.

If the outside of the cellar is well-drained, should I have any problems with moisture accumulating in the framing/insulation of the main floor?

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Replies

  1. Riversong | | #1

    What climate zone?

  2. user-872446 | | #2

    Zone 6a, Northern New England

  3. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #3

    John,
    Your framing will probably be fine. Although the floors of root cellars are damp, the air down there is cool or cold -- so the air can't hold much moisture.

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