Date: November 30, 1997 08:57 PM
Author: drwaters (drwaters@usa.net)
Subject: Seeking HOW TO info

Have mountain cabin on side of hill with exposed piers. Plan to enclose in '98 and desire to construct a root cellar. Family size is four adults. Would appreciate your advise and help:

(1) How deep below ground level should cellar be? (2) Intend to use concrete block and surewall for wall construction, any comments? (3) Intend to use wood roof beams with pressure treated plywood for roof, any suggestion? (4) Leave floor bare dirt? (5) Humidity a problem in cabin, need anything in root cellar? (6) Maximum size: 10'-0" x 10'-0" Is this an adequate size?

Thank you for your comments.

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=6555)

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Date: December 01, 1997 11:42 PM
Author: will richards (Will_richards@hotmail.com)
Subject: Sure on sure wall


1) How deep below ground level should cellar be? Below the frost line with adequate dirt above to keep it from freezing inside.

(2) Intend to use concrete block and surewall for wall construction, any comments? Good materials.... poor the block spaces and add rebar in the corners for strength. I have built two houses using just surewall, this was in 78 and they are still standing.

I am going to build a cellar under a storage shed the same way. I am doing this because I own 450 blocks and have to do something with them. the blocks are leftover from a project that i miss calculated.

You might consider the Shelter design I am working on. I mentioned it in a couple of places on here before. I am working on the design, proto and manuscript, to be published in the spring.

(3) Intend to use wood roof beams with pressure treated plywood for roof, any suggestion? Poor the roof 8 inch thick cover with 2 feet of dirt and you will have a dual purpose shelter. See my posts on the nuclear threads for more info.

(4) Leave floor bare dirt? I would prefer gravel, with a drain.

(5) Humidity a problem in cabin, need anything in root cellar? Ventilation, must have it for a root cellar, I will try ti find some info on how many air changes per day are necessary, it here some where.

(6) Maximum size: 10'-0" x 10'-0" Is this an adequate size?10X10x8=800 cubic feet..... think...... how much space do you need? That is info that is entirely up to your needs....Hint.... most Americans overbuild everything, we are spoiled.

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=6601)

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Date: December 07, 1997 01:10 PM
Author: Peggy Ryan (ryanpj@bright.net)
Subject: How To Build Root Cellar


In addition to Will's info, you can order a little booklet from Storey Communications (l-800-44l-5700). It will cost you $2.95.

It's written so your average person can understand it. It's simple, concise and easy-to-follow. Only 3l pages, and also has storage requirements for different fruits and vegetables.

We're planning to have one, too. Much of our produce will be dried, some canned. A root cellar is just plain common sense. It gives you yet another avenue for food storage. Good luck.

Peggy

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=6992)

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Date: December 07, 1997 02:49 PM
Author: will richards (Will_richards@hotmail.com)
Subject: Dual purpose


Build it to store and to survive. When the bad guys come my children will secure in our dual purpose shelter. Roots, food and beds, A y2k bed and breakfast.

I do not want to have to worry about them while we are protecting the farm.

I am also going the next logical step and building to protect from fallout.

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=7003)

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Date: December 07, 1997 03:01 PM
Author: Peggy Ryan (ryanpj@bright.net)
Subject: Yep!


Ditto--earth-sheltered, fallout specs, food, water, concealed entrance and exit, drainage, etc., etc.

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=7004)

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Date: December 08, 1997 01:28 AM
Author: Lynn (hope1@breeze.net)
Subject: root cellar


The one thing I regret in staying put through the Y2k, nosey neighbors along with the good ones. If we were to buil a cellar of anykind the nosey neighbors would know all about it. the way its set up now, I have storage in 2 different places. Most of my wheat is in the garage, they can get awy with that and not bother the rest. I have a great deal, especially if my family numbers are down, I store for the most people in the family I think MAY be in need. But I have always wanted a cellar, with a disquised entrance, but that won't happen here where I am.

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=7037)

Date: December 14, 1997 06:01 AM
Author: Robert Griswold (robert@avicom.net)

At Ready Made Resources we sell the book "Root Cellaring" It is just about the best source on Cold Storage there is. Topics include How to harvest, what to grow, spoilage, planning your root cellar, and personal experiances from those who manage successful root cellars, We can be reached aat 1-800-627-3809 if you would like to purchase this book. ($14.95 soft cover $21.95 Hardback) We also carry a full line of "how to" survival/self reliant bBooks.

(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=7458)