Monday, November 19, 2007

Re: straw bale homes

Andrew,
 
        About 30 years ago we, in Calgary and other nearby locations, used a material known as Stramit.  This Stramit was essentially straw pressed into sheets like plywood and about 2" (50 mm) thick. Although it was treated to prevent insect and rot deterioration, over the years leaking roof membranes were too much for it.  The material is no longer in use and hasn't been for several years.
 
Regards,
 
H. Daryl Richardson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 9:29 AM
Subject: re: straw bale homes

Maybe it is not such a big deal in drier climates out west, but what about bugs and all around moisture intrusion/rot?
If you used these walls for carrying uniform gravity load, would creep be an issue and then cracking of the exterior stucco?
Fire protection?
 
I guess I should go Google this stuff or check out one of those links for myself. Seems like your R rating would be thru the roof and talk about a fast-growing, renewable building product...
 
Interersting indeed.
 
Andrew
 
Andrew Kester, PE
Principal/Project Manager
ADK Structural Engineering, PLLC
1510 E Colonial Ave., Suite 301
Orlando, FL 32803

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