I am framing a new addition for a client and because of an old oak tree that they want to keep, it was suggested to put the addition on piers. This now causes the underside of the addition to be exposed to the elements and to anything and everything that wants to make a home up there. (Central VA)
Three questions
1) What is the best way to protect the framing from the elements. Cost is a big factor.
2) What is the best way to keep critters (mice, hornets/waps, etc.) from making homes
3) What is the best way to insulate and create a vapor barrier to the house and/or the framing
Replies
Did a similar job once. We insulated, then covered the "ceiling" of the crawlspace area with T&G 1x6's. Used PT 5/4 decking for the outer 2 feet around the perimeter.
The 1/6's were easy to handle, had about 3 to 5' of headroom to work in.
I dealt with a similiar situation. Was a garage built around an oak tree. have a look at my post.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=29343.3