Building an Off-Grid Homestead in Rural Tennessee

🏡Building an off-grid homestead requires careful planning and insulation to combat extreme weather conditions.

🔆The Tennessee summer sun can be intense, making insulation a crucial step in keeping the cabin cool.

🌡️Choosing the right insulation materials, such as foam board and fiberglass, can help improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.

🔨Insulating the roof and walls of a tiny cabin can be a challenging and labor-intensive task, requiring patience and attention to detail.

💪By sharing our experience, we hope to inspire and empower others who are considering building their own off-grid homestead.

Why is insulation important in an off-grid homestead?

—Insulation plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature inside the cabin, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also helps to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.

What materials did you use for insulation?

—We used foam board with foil backing and R13 fiberglass bat insulation to insulate the roof and walls of our cabin.

How did you handle the challenge of working in the Tennessee summer heat?

—We started our work early in the morning to avoid the intense heat. We took breaks, stayed hydrated, and wore appropriate protective gear to prevent overheating.

What other projects are you planning for your homestead?

—Our next projects include setting up a rainwater collection system, installing solar panels for electricity, and building additional structures such as a workshop and garden beds.

Any advice for aspiring homesteaders?

—Plan carefully, be prepared for challenges, and embrace the learning process. Take one step at a time, seek advice from experienced homesteaders, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.

00:00In this video, we embark on the journey of building a fully off-grid homestead in rural Tennessee.

04:09We collect fresh spring mountain water, which will be essential for our daily needs until we set up a rainwater collection system.

10:40We start insulating the roof using foam board with a foil backing to reflect radiation and R13 fiberglass bat insulation to improve energy efficiency.

15:35We work on insulating the walls and discuss the challenges and solutions for a tiny cabin with a vaulted ceiling.

17:35We take a break, enjoy some burritos, and work on creating content for our YouTube channel and Instagram.