Dave writes from Greensburg, Pennsylvania: "I own a camp in the national forest (PA) and it is above ground. There is some insulation in the walls but none under the floor. The camp is up on blocks about 2 feet from the bare ground. Should I cover the ground with plastic and gravel to hold in place? Should I insulate the floor from below? How should I insulate? What kind of insulation? Should I close in the outside with decking or let it breath? We have a little bit of problems with mice as well. Thank you for your help. PS: This has to be a great market. There are a lot of camps."

Thanks, Dave. I have a question for you: Is the 2' area surrounding the camp enclosed or open? I will answer your questions both ways. If the area is enclosed I suggest gravel and plastic. If the area is not enclosed I do not see the gravel and plastic being significant. You should definitely insulate the floor below with the Kraft-faced side of the insulation facing up to the warm air. The size of the insulation will depend in what size your floor joist is. For example, if you have a 2 x 10 floor joist you would use R-30 or 9-1/2" insulation. Make sure you do not compress insulation into a cavity. For example, if you have a 2 x 8 floor joist, do not force in R-30 or 9-1/2" insulation because you will lose R value. If the area is NOT enclosed, I suggest covering the insulation with plywood. I would also suggest installing circle or strip vents so the insulation can breathe. If the area is enclosed, I do not suggest covering the insulation with any plywood. I would install screening or netting to keep the mice out. If the mice continue to be a problem, let me know and I will see if one of my feline friends can pay a visit to your camp.