Introductions

Excerpt from page 1 & 2

Having a root cellar in your back yard is like having your own private supermarket of fresh fruits and vegetables. Any time you need potatoes for dinner or an apple for a snack just open the door and walk inside. Anything you need is right there on the shelves.

But a root cellar is more than a convenience. In addition to providing the security of having a year's supply of fruits and vegetables on hand a root cellar offers sanctuary. In an emergency it could shelter your family for a few hours a few days or even a few weeks if necessary.

A good root cellar should provide cool above-freezing temperatures and good circulation of moderately humid air. The combination root cellar and storm shelter in this bulletin has these features plus several others that make it easy for 1 person-- with no building experience--to build as a spare-time project.

The dirt floor takes advantage of the naturally cool even temperature of the earth. It also cuts costs and provides needed humidity.

The concrete block walls are durable and sturdy with a middle core of air which acts as an insulator. In extreme climates the cores can be filled with loose insulation to keep temperatures more even. Concrete block walls are simple to work with. And you can lay a few blocks whenever you have a little time then resume where you left off the next time

The walls are topped by a wood frame roof made of 2 X lumber which can be handled by 1 person. The roof is protected by sheeting roll roofing and plastic film then covered with 2 feet of soil.

The cellar is vented for good air circulation and a drainage system protects the interior from water seepage.

So here it is. This is one root cellar you can afford. This is one you can do all by yourself. And you can build it in your spare time.