Re: SB: Re: Moisture Again Rears it's Wet Head.

["Huff 'n' Puff Constructions" <huffnpuff@shoal.net.au>]

Dear Malcom

I have to agree with you regarding the protection around window and door
openings.  However we need to respect the fact that straw is a biodegradable
product and if it is at all possible to keep water away from the walls then it
should be a major consideration in their design.
I prefer to err on the side of conservatism when it comes to my living and
future in this technology.

I would agree that if your details are well thought out and functional for your
building then in theory you should be right.  The inclusion of a good wide sill
with proper drip grooves is also vital.  Where the rainfall is on the high side
then I like the use of verandahs all round, the extra space required to
accommodate verandahs to me is worth the effort and expense.  The use of
verandahs in our country is traditional and have worked for two centuries
providing shelter and protection as well as a great place to relax with a tinnie
and watch the sun go down!

Where verandahs are not practical then good generous eaves should be the go
alongside good flashing around the window frames etc.  We also need to make sure
that the moisture that does get in around the window frames can get out quickly
so for me two story buildings are not a real good option.  So much for us to
learn and one day soon we will be testing for moisture penetration around
windows and doors so that we can complete the tests that are required for the
Building Code of Australia.

If any of you on the list have diagrams of the flashings that you use around
your openings or know where I can get some I would appreciate it very much.   I
still have not got any of the new straw bale books and I will have to rectify
that soon.  I am sure that the new books would have such details.

Thanks for your input and candid comments.

Kind regards The Straw Wolf
http://strawbale.archinet.com.au
61 2 6927 6027


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