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Rob Tom wrote:
> The insulative value of straw/clay mixtures can
range from negligible
> to minimal, depending upon the density of the
mix.
Rob, you know, I thought to specify the density of the straw-clay
mix in my
quip, but didn't. I use straw dipped in slip then stuffed
in. Might just
use flakes at six inches. For areas that
need more forming (like edges), I
add enough clay to give it some body.
But for mass filling, keep the
material light and mostly straw.
I
believe that a 24" inche thickness of straw-clay filler is far more
than
"minimal" insulation with a low density mix. Perhaps
you are refferring
more to cob levels of density. Certainly
adding a thin clay coating to
straw does not change it's insulative
properties THAT much. Just gives it a
fire-proofing and helps it stuff
better.
Now long term creep is a concern to me. Which materials
will expand to
counter that effect? Maybe compressed flakes are better,
they can spring
out a bit. This is one of those areas in
which Nebraska-style seems more
elegant. The building is more of
an integrel unit and anyway,
pre-compression is the norm.
Steve
Lewis
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