Sealing shed

[Nandy]

The short:
I have a few boards in the shed I'm building that have up to 3/16 gaps. What can I use CHEAP to fill these gaps and then paint over them?

The long:
I started building a 10 wide x 10 deep x 8 high shed. I'm using 3/4 inch thick boards in different heights and cut to fit my design. These boards are very nice and I got them as crates from a warehouse. I pretty much have enough boards to finish the shed but I don't think I will have a single board left. It will be a while before I can get more crates from this warehouse and time is of the essence so I need to do with what I have. The problem is all the boards do not fit well. A few are separated as much as a 1/8 or 3/16. I feel comfortable that most of the other boards will seal with the paint however I have no idea how to fill those large voids.
Is there a CHEAP way I can get those sealed? I have a few ideas myself but I'm sure someone here has a better way.
Thanks!

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Sealing shed

You can use a wedge to tighten up the seams.Nail a block of 2x4 or what have you to the stud and drive the wedge which you have made from some scrap lumber between it and the board that needs to be tightened up and when it is in place then secure it.Cheap and works just great.Ron G

 

[Bondo]

Re: Sealing shed

however I have no idea how to fill those large voids.

Ayuh,... Use latex Painters Chaulking...

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Sealing shed

You could put a batten board over the seams. Basically just a 1/4" x 1-1/2 inch board. Bit of maintenance with this.
If not already assembled you could cut a rabbet or tongue and groove into each piece.
Or calk as mentioned.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Sealing shed

They make a styrofoam rope that you can buy at Home Depot, or Lowes. It comes in different diamaters. You can stuff it into the gaps, and then caulk over it if you want to.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Sealing shed

looks like caulk it is....

 

[Nandy]

Re: Sealing shed

Good news. It rained/stormed tonight pretty good and the shed only got wet inside at the areas the tables were not laid. I could see the boards wet outside and dry inside. I did not see the storm but I was told it was a good one.
I am still using caulk for the big gaps. Caulk is cheap and it might take a bit more of work and time but by what I saw tonight I can take time doing the caulking.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Sealing shed

Stuff in some caulking rod first in those bigger gaps first. It's like foam rope...Really cheap. Painters caulk will not hold up to those big gaps very long.

 

[smclear]

Re: Sealing shed

Take a look at this stuff. It's designed to do exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.permachink.com/permachink.htm

 

[Nandy]

Re: Sealing shed

Take a look at this stuff. It's designed to do exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.permachink.com/permachink.htm

$84 for 11 oz!!! U missed the cheap part of the op!

This shed only has to last from 2 to 3 years. I have spent less than 200 in it and that is counting a couple of tools I bought. No need to get overly complicated for that short term reason. Add to this the fact that this building is in a property I'm renting not a property I own and it will all fall in place.
It rained down again today while I was working in it and the leaks where just a few. This was good storm... I'm sure the exterior paint and the caulk will do the trick.
Here are a few photos

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Sealing shed

I would just tar paper it since it is already built and call it good.
I think Tyvek is waterproof and you might be able to find enough for free at a building site,I bet tar paper is expensive these days.Tyvek would probably be prettier too if you don't plan to side it.Ron G

 

[smclear]

Re: Sealing shed

$84 for 11 oz!!! U missed the cheap part of the op!

Sorry, I never checked on the cost of the stuff. I just remembered it from investigating log homes. I wouldn't spend that much $$ on it either.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Sealing shed

Take a look at this stuff. It's designed to do exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.permachink.com/permachink.htm

That is $84.00 for twelve 11oz tubes(1 case).

Still too high though.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Sealing shed

just use MUD like they did with log cabins

can't get cheapper than that !!


woosterken

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Sealing shed

I'd use Vulkem 116 caulk. Stay away from latex painters caulk. It will shrink way to much and will not hold up to the weather. It's great and easy to use indoors or where it won't get exposed to weather.

Vulkem is tough as snot, will flex with the boards but is weatherproof and does not shrink up and pull away. It is one of the common sealants they use with siding.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Sealing shed

Vulkem is an exterior product only. And would be great if he wanted to spend the money. Only gotta last a couple years.

I like the felt paper idea best so far. I've even seen it take paint.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Sealing shed

I would just tar paper it since it is already built and call it good.
I think Tyvek is waterproof and you might be able to find enough for free at a building site,I bet tar paper is expensive these days.Tyvek would probably be prettier too if you don't plan to side it.Ron G

Is that the same paper that I will have to use for shingles?

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Sealing shed

Yes,tar paper years ago,now the new fangled Tyvek House Wrap,there are others.Tyvek is a Dupont brand name.You could probably pick up enough scrap at a building site to do that small shed.Ron G

 

[Nandy]

Re: Sealing shed

The shed been "finished" for some time now. I only need to d some trimming but that is just for looks. Caulk did the trick. There are just a few places that will require caulking again but I will take care of those later... Next project, lean-to-shed!!!
Cheers... 8l8

 

[dolluper]

Re: Sealing shed

Frig man where did you find the paint you should have sun glass warning in your thread just kidding glad its done NEXT PROJECT please tell me is this wiffee's list or was it on YOURS LOL'S