Moisture Check - Theory

[BALEHEAD@delphi.com]

Toby wrote, quote:

> >>>At three sites the deep reading was higher than the mid bale site, the
> variation was between +.3 to +.5% MC. During the cold spells of -17
> degrees C, Carl observed moisture on the outside walls, these
> disappeared with warmer temperatures.

> Why?
> 
> It means, IMO, that the infamous dew point was, for these extreme
> conditions, NOT within the wall, but on the outside surface of the wall.
> 
> SO what?
> 
> 1. This gives evidence that there is NO ICE DAM inside the walls, and will
> make code officials very happy. 

Well, not so fast there.  This gives evidence that there was no damn ice
within the walls when it was so blisteringly cold outside the dew point fell
to the stucco layer--but when it warms up, where do the dew go?  Logically,
farther inside (as you later acknowledged), where, given the right conditions, 
a damn ice dam could theoretically form.  

Further, when the walls are plastered on the inside, significantly reducing
air infiltration (now 100%), the temperature in bale inner space will drop,
changing results once again.  'Tis a complexity, to be sure; but this is
encouraging information.  Walls subject to the worst case scenario--cold temps 
and 100% infiltration-- have not, so far, gone to goo. 

The Wicked Bale Theory predicts that nothing will happen, anyway.  
Conventional theory predicts fedid goo at the dew point, based on a
macrocosmic model which applies to the vast open spaces found inside studs
(the 'Airhead Stud Theory"); but which breaks down on the micro level of
millions of individual straw fibers.  At that miniature level, the Wicked Bale 
Theory posits, a lot is going on---stuff condensing, evaporating, wicking,
breathing, freezing, dripping---creating a complex micro network over a hugh
surface area which can handle great quantities of water before turning to
fetid goo. 

Habib's abode is also encouraging.  The dew point for his walls is more likely 
toward the middle of the bales, yet his humidity level is remarkably similar
to the naked bale house, which could be seen as a confirmation of the Wicked
Bale Theory.  (Since the building is unheated, we can only guess at what the
difference between inside and outside temperature might be, however). 

Moose Huggers should be pleased and rest easy tonight.......

John Swearingen
                    Skillful Means Builders
                    www.snowcrest.net/smb
                    somewhere in California
                    
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