Blue Yurt Farms
Homesteading, Yurts, Travel, Life!
Learning about conservation of our precious forests, engaging in tree planting activities and leading a ‘greener’ way of life is what we’re about here at Blue Yurt Farms. Join us to learn more about living a simpler life that celebrates the important things in life.
About Me
Hello, and welcome to my personal ‘homestead’ blog. My name is Erin Baker and I am extremally excited to share my experiences with other people that are interested in healthy eating, farm life, and responsible travel. I don’t claim to be an expert on any of these subjects but I do promise that you’ll get some valuable info and some great stories from me.
And I don’t break promises!
Responsible Travel & Homesteading
Unfortunately for our planet, responsible travel is not the most popular way of getting around the globe these days. That said; things are shifting and more people are becoming aware of the dangers that we face if BIG action isn’t taken by each and every one of us. Even though I like to travel, I’m committed to doing it as ‘responsibly’ as possible and my aim is to inspire others to do the same.
My blog is my ‘homestead’ to do just that!
Latest Posts
Maintaining & Renovating Homestead Farmhouses
Renovating a farmhouse offers significant value, especially when it comes to preserving the integrity of its historic features. One of the key challenges with older homes is the difficulty in sourcing replacement parts for original materials and fixtures. Many historic homes were built with unique craftsmanship and custom components that are no longer available in modern markets. This makes repairs and restoration not only more practical but often more valuable than attempting to replace or update features with newer, mass-produced alternatives.
Repair Vs Replace
By repairing rather than replacing elements like windows, doors, and architectural details, homeowners can maintain the home’s original character and craftsmanship, which often carries a higher historical and financial value. Additionally, restoring existing features, such as the woodwork, trim, or stone foundations, can be more cost-effective than searching for exact replacements, particularly when considering the quality and durability of materials from earlier periods. In the long run, preserving the original elements of a farmhouse not only enhances its charm but also ensures its authenticity, making it more attractive to potential buyers or future generations who value the craftsmanship and history embedded in the home.
Renovating a farmhouse comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when dealing with the aging infrastructure and the specific architectural elements typical of these historic homes. Here are some of the most challenging areas to repair:
1. Foundations and Structural Integrity
Farmhouses, particularly older ones, often have foundations that have settled over time or may have experienced shifts due to moisture, soil movement, or aging. This can lead to uneven floors, cracked walls, or even leaning structures. Repairing foundations requires specialized knowledge to assess the extent of damage and to ensure the building is stable. In some cases, lifting or re-leveling the entire structure might be necessary, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.
2. Roof and Roof Structure
The roof is another challenging area, as older farmhouses often have steep pitches, multiple sections, and complex dormers or skylights that are difficult to repair or replace. Older roofing materials like slate or cedar shingles may also be harder to source and more expensive to replace. Additionally, problems like leaks or poor insulation can go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Restoring a roof to its original state while addressing modern needs for insulation and energy efficiency requires a delicate balance between maintaining authenticity and incorporating modern upgrades.
3. Windows and Doors
Windows in historic farmhouses are often made of wood with intricate detailing, which can be difficult and costly to repair compared to replacing them with modern, energy-efficient alternatives. Wooden window frames and sashes may have rotted, warped, or cracked over the years. Restoring these features involves careful craftsmanship to ensure the windows open and close properly while also addressing energy efficiency concerns, often requiring solutions like Spring Bronze weatherstripping. Sourcing or replicating period-appropriate hardware can also be time-consuming and challenging.
4. Electrical and Plumbing Systems
Upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems in a historic farmhouse can be a delicate balancing act. The original systems may be outdated, with insufficient wiring, old-fashioned plumbing, or even unsafe installations that don’t meet current codes. Replacing these systems can require major reworking of walls and ceilings, particularly if the farmhouse has plaster walls, which can be more fragile to handle than drywall. In some cases, the original layout may not easily accommodate modern standards, requiring creative solutions to preserve the home’s aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality.
5. Flooring and Subflooring
Farmhouses often have original hardwood floors that are beautiful but may be worn, uneven, or damaged over time. Repairing and refinishing old hardwood floors can be an intricate process, especially when trying to match the original finish or restore the natural character of the wood. Additionally, the subflooring in older homes may have experienced damage due to moisture or pests, making it necessary to replace or reinforce sections while maintaining the integrity of the original flooring.
6. Exterior and Siding
The siding of a farmhouse, whether it’s wood clapboard, brick, or stone, can be prone to wear from the elements. Wood siding may have rotted in places, while brick or stone may need repointing to ensure it remains structurally sound. In rural areas, farmhouses may also experience exposure to more extreme weather conditions, leading to accelerated wear. Sourcing materials that match the original siding or replicating old patterns of craftsmanship can make exterior repairs more difficult and time-intensive.
7. Insulation and Drafts
Many historic farmhouses were not originally built with modern insulation standards, leaving them prone to drafts and temperature fluctuations. Insulating old walls, attics, and crawl spaces without disrupting the original design is often one of the most challenging aspects of renovating a farmhouse. Solutions like spray foam insulation or blown-in cellulose can help improve energy efficiency, but care must be taken not to damage the home’s structural elements, such as timber framing or original finishes.
8. Basements and Crawl Spaces
Older farmhouses often have basements or crawl spaces that were not constructed with modern water management in mind. Issues like poor drainage, moisture buildup, or even pest infestations can create significant challenges when repairing these areas. Moisture control systems, proper ventilation, and sometimes structural reinforcement are needed to prevent further damage. In addition, these spaces can often be cramped and difficult to work in, adding complexity to any repairs or upgrades.
9. Chimneys and Fireplaces
Chimneys and fireplaces in historic farmhouses, especially those made of brick or stone, can be prone to wear over time due to exposure to the elements, water damage, or the natural degradation of the materials. Repairing or restoring a chimney is a detailed process that may involve rebuilding parts of it, ensuring proper flue function, or addressing cracks and leaks in the masonry. Ensuring that the fireplace functions safely and efficiently while preserving its historical design can be a delicate and challenging task.
10. Interior Walls and Plaster Work
Interior walls in older farmhouses are often made of plaster, which can crack, chip, or deteriorate over time. Repairing plaster is a time-consuming and skillful process that involves patching holes, smoothing out uneven surfaces, and sometimes completely re-plastering sections of the wall. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace plaster with drywall, but this decision can affect the overall character and historical value of the home.
Farmhouse Windows Are Hard To Replace
When renovating a farmhouse, particularly one with historic windows, preserving both the aesthetic and functionality of the original features is key. One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the charm of period windows is through the use of Spring Bronze weatherstripping. This material, favored for its durability and traditional appearance, is a perfect solution for refurbishing historic windows. Spring Bronze weatherstripping consists of a thin, flexible metal strip that is attached to the window frame. It creates a tight seal when the window is closed, preventing drafts and improving insulation without compromising the window’s integrity. Its subtle, bronze finish also blends seamlessly with older window styles, enhancing both performance and visual appeal. By incorporating Spring Bronze weatherstripping during your renovation, you can reduce heating and cooling costs while preserving the historic character of your farmhouse for years to come.
Hunting On The Homestead
Hunting on a homestead can be a rewarding and sustainable way to provide food for your family while managing wildlife populations. Incorporating waterfowl hunting into your homestead routine, particularly if you have access to ponds, lakes, or nearby wetlands, can be a productive activity. Setting up waterfowl decoys effectively is a key part of this process, as decoys help attract ducks and geese into shooting range by mimicking the appearance and behavior of real birds. Here’s how you can approach hunting on your homestead and setting up waterfowl decoys for a successful hunt.
2. Setting Up Waterfowl Decoys: Decoys are a powerful tool for bringing waterfowl into your range, as they simulate the presence of ducks or geese, making it appear like a safe spot for feeding or resting. When setting up mallard field decoys, it’s important to mimic the natural behavior and formations of waterfowl to make the spread as realistic as possible. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Choose the Right Decoys: Invest in high-quality decoys that accurately resemble the species of waterfowl you’re targeting, whether it’s ducks or geese. For ducks, species-specific decoys like mallards, wood ducks, or teal are common. For geese, silhouettes or full-body decoys work well, especially for larger species like Canada geese. Consider having both males and females represented in your spread for added realism.
- Positioning the Decoys: The placement of your decoys should mimic how ducks and geese naturally behave. Typically, you’ll want to create a “V” or “U” shape with the decoys, which simulates a safe zone where waterfowl can gather. Place the decoys about 10-20 feet apart, and make sure the decoys are facing into the wind (as birds prefer to land into the wind). Leave an open space or “landing zone” in the center of the spread where the birds will feel comfortable landing. For divers, such as scaup or ring-necks, place the decoys further apart to resemble natural feeding flocks. For puddle ducks (mallards, pintails, etc.), position decoys more tightly together to simulate a group resting or feeding.
- Using Motion Decoys: Consider adding motion decoys like spinning-wing or jerk rigs to enhance your spread. These decoys create ripples or movement on the water, which can attract more birds. Spinning-wing decoys (especially mallard or teal models) work particularly well for ducks, while jerk rigs (which use a string to create movement in the decoys) can be effective for both ducks and geese.
- Concealing Yourself: Once your decoys are set up, make sure you’re well hidden. Waterfowl are incredibly sensitive to movement, so use natural cover like reeds, cattails, or camouflaged blinds to stay out of sight. For extra concealment, you can use a layout blind or a boat blind if hunting from a boat. In some cases, wearing camouflaged clothing and face paint may help you blend in with your surroundings.
3.Timing and Patience: Waterfowl hunting requires a lot of patience, especially when using decoys. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times when ducks and geese are most active, either foraging for food or migrating. Set up well before sunrise, and remain as still as possible during the hunt to avoid scaring off the birds. Calling, such as using duck calls or goose calls, can also attract birds, but it should be done sparingly and at the right times to avoid overcalling, which can cause the birds to become wary.
4. Safety and Regulations: Be sure to familiarize yourself with local hunting regulations, including licensing, hunting seasons, bag limits, and specific rules for waterfowl hunting in your area. Always practice gun safety, especially if hunting near water where visibility may be limited. Waterfowl hunting can involve long waits in cold, wet conditions, so be prepared for the elements with waterproof gear, insulated clothing, and a reliable hunting setup.
5. Ethical Considerations: Lastly, always practice ethical hunting by respecting wildlife populations and following the “fair chase” principles. This means ensuring that you are only hunting within the legal framework and that you make clean, humane shots to avoid unnecessary suffering. It’s also important to clean up after yourself, leaving the area as undisturbed as possible for future wildlife and hunters.
By setting up waterfowl decoys effectively and being mindful of your hunting environment, you can enjoy a rewarding and sustainable hunting experience on your homestead. Whether you’re hunting for food or managing populations, understanding the behavior of waterfowl and how to simulate their natural movements with decoys will greatly improve your chances of a successful hunt.
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