Our home has a small addition (10'x12') at the rear of the house
which was not closed off at the base properly. Currently, the north
side of the addition is attached to the house and the south side sits
on a concrete foundation while the east and west sides are wide open
at the base (i.e. if you get on your knees you can see right under the
addition and through the other side)

Pics:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/pharmer1/Home%20Improvement/

The addition is cold in the winter (we live in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada where -30C or -22F is common) and looks like hell outside so I
would like to finish both sides properly.

My question is, what is the proper way to close the east and west
sides off? I was thinking about framing it with pressure treated
lumber, insulating and finishing it with stucco or vinyl. Does this
sound correct? Is it necessary to vent this space on both sides or is
one vent ok?

Any feedback is much appreciated.

TIA,
Curt

The prefered way would put as little wood in contact with the ground as
possible.
Consider fiber cement panels with pressure treated wood frame on top
and on two sides.
The side frames should be held 6 inches off the ground.
The ground in your photo looks dry, so you might get away with very
limited vents.
I would strongly recommend a vent on each side for cross venting.
You might investigate attaching the panels in a way that allows venting
around the panel edges.

TB

Treated wood should have no issues with touching the ground. I would
put a vapor barrier between the dirt and the living area though. The
reason for vents is to dry out the space, but the humidity in the
space is the same as the outside air and moisture constantly comes
through the ground. Vents are optional, but neccessary if you do not
place a vapor barrier on the soil. I would dig down far enough to
retard any creatures from going under your "walls". Build a perimeter
with treated wood. Insulate the inside of the perimeter with some
solid foam insulation and then lay down a vapor barrier on the inside
soil and up the inside perimeter walls. Make sure to "seal" (silicone)
the joint between the barrier and where it comes to the living space
joists. Just my opinion. Good luck.

"Mofu" wrote in message
...
Our home has a small addition (10'x12') at the rear of the house
which was not closed off at the base properly. Currently, the north
side of the addition is attached to the house and the south side sits
on a concrete foundation while the east and west sides are wide open
at the base (i.e. if you get on your knees you can see right under the
addition and through the other side)

Pics:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/pharmer1/Home%20Improvement/

The addition is cold in the winter (we live in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada where -30C or -22F is common) and looks like hell outside so I
would like to finish both sides properly.

My question is, what is the proper way to close the east and west
sides off? I was thinking about framing it with pressure treated
lumber, insulating and finishing it with stucco or vinyl. Does this
sound correct? Is it necessary to vent this space on both sides or is
one vent ok?

Any feedback is much appreciated.

TIA,
Curt

That would work. Should be good for 10-15 years.

Since this is your home I would prefer no ground contact with wood even if
it is treated. Could you pour a baby footer (3-4" deep) using concrete mix
in a bag or dig out a place some 4x8x16 solid blocks in the ground before
you use your treated lumber. Should be good 20-30 years.

Also keeps pets or critters from digging under the house.

Best wishes


Colbyt