Final preps for winter

With mornings in the low 40s, we can feel summer coming to and end here in Maine. Although yesterday's humid high 80s still felt like August.

We decided it was time to begin finalizing (as much as is possible since you are never really finished) the outside insulation around the bermed buildings. In order to help keep moisture and coldness from the foundation area, a layer of styrofoam covered with 3 layers of plastic and then stone are placed around the house. We went out 12 feet at a slight slope around the house and 8 feet around the detached garage.
This should be the end of the "berming process".

The torrential rains over the last couple of days made a few ruts, but overall it seems like everything is 'doing its job'.

bermed
passive+solar
sharonbetts

Slated - finally

The slate countertops and windowsills are in place. Certainly easy to install countertops that weigh over 100 pounds each - just lay them in place. We used mottled-purple on the kitchen counters and striated gray at the windows. It really sets off the work so far.

I love them.
slate
sharon+betts