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How Do I Side an Ice Fishing House?

How Do I Side an Ice Fishing House?

ice fishing huts on a frozen river image by GoodMood Photo from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Your ice shack won't do much good if you don't have adequate siding or insulation. Because ice shacks and houses are designed to be portable and somewhat lightweight, siding for the house should be lightweight yet stout enough to repel wind, snow and ice. You also need to keep adequate ventilation in the house as many times anglers use propane or kerosene heaters in the shacks, which takes oxygen from the room. Styrofoam sheeting with vent holes and a top cover of old sailing canvas make for efficient insulation as siding on an ice house.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Measuring tape
  • 1/2-inch Styrofoam sheets
  • Canvas material, large sail sheets
  • Staple gun
  • Utility knife
  • Power drill
  • Small wood screws
Step 1
Set a Styrofoam sheet against one of the ice house's walls. Use the utility knife to slice it down to the same size as the house wall. If there are any windows on the wall, cut out the window size from the Styrofoam in the proper position. Use the staple gun to attach Styrofoam onto the wall. Repeat this process for every wall except the one with the house door.
Step 2
Measure the walls and then cut out sheets of canvas the same size. Staple these sheets, only at the top and bottom, of the shanty on top of the Styrofoam. Cut out the window holes so they align with the house windows and the holes made in the Styrofoam. Use two staples on the downward sides, leaving enough of a gap so air can circulate between the Styrofoam and the canvas. Repeat this on all the walls that have Styrofoam.
Step 3
Cut small chunks of the Styrofoam to go over the door frame and down the frame sides. Do not try to cover the door itself. Leave a 2-inch gap between the Styrofoam and door and frame. Staple the Styrofoam against the door wall.
Step 4
Go around the house and look at the corners of the walls and at the bottom, where the house makes contact with the ice. Make sure there are a few gaps where air can circulate. You want to have some ventilation within the house so the danger of asphyxiation is alleviated.

Tips & Warnings

 
Do not make airtight seals with the Styrofoam on the house sides. You need ventilation if you use kerosene or propane heaters. Asphyxiation danger is high if you do not leave some gaps.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com

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