Strawbale Archive for November 2001

So, for a 24inch-thick wall, we're talking about an optimistic R-value
which is closer to R-20 than it is to R-34.

Since we're fortunate enough to have the Father of SB Thermal Resistivity 
in our midst once again  (being Septic-fed JoE McCabe) perhaps he can
be goaded into offering his thoughts on this matter (so long a proper spelling
is not an issue).

As mentioned in my first posting to this thread, if one is in a climate 
where high levels of insulation matter, then "yes" , I would say that
R-20 is nominal if one had designed the rest of the wall to be 
R-40 or more, and it especially matters at the top of the wall.

How to deal with creep ? For the time being, I think we can safely
assume that gravity will remain with us for awhile yet so it would
seem to make sense to use gravity to advantage in countering
the effects of long-term creep of the straw bale walls.
I'll leave y'all to ponder this problem for a spell and there will be a
Pop Quizz on this subject next week.

The people who come up with reasonable answers (not necessarily
agreeing with my solution) will be permitted the privilege of 
making a donation to the Steen's Canelo Project, for which they will
receive a copy of the 
            CASAS QUE CANTAN 2001 MUSIC CD/BOOKLET
an all-new compliation of music from friends of Strawbale from around 
the world (music CD produced by Suzanne Zukowski, producer of last year's
CD/booklet ) 
                                       PLUS  
an accompanying photo/story booklet which this year will be produced 
by the awesome team of Lander +Steen,  ("Lander" as in Satomi Lander
(of The Last Straw fame) and "Steen" as in Athena/Black Bean Beel.)

Some of you who subscribe to The Last Straw will recall the last time
this team collaborated on a project, there was some unearthly howling
in the Arizona hills at night (courtesy of Athena & Satomi)
and the wonderful Lime Plaster issue which came into being as a result.