Cob straw partition insulation

[Firstbrook, Will]

Hi Keith,

I wonder how you would be able to stuff the light straw clay or just straw into the wall cavity without it falling out. Perhaps one can leave a small opening at the top of the wall and fill the straw or clay straw into the cavity.   I am thinking about using the paper cellulose for my non-strawbale sections in my cabin for temperature & sound insulation. The paper cellulose in my case is actually cheaper per square foot uncompressed than straw. Although I do have the straw on hand so it will be an additional cost to use the cellulose. The cellulose actually is more effective for sound deadening than straw and easier to fill the wall cavities utilizing a blower, which I will be using for the ceiling and non-strawbale wall sections anyway.

If I was using the straw for the interior walls I think the straw dipped in the clay slip would be better for a fire resistance point of view and probably better for sound attenuation. I would suspect it would also reduce the amount of settling as well. Thus I would put the wallboard up on the one side of the wall and partway up the other side so I could stuff the claystraw into the wall. I would probably turn off any electrical that may be present in those walls till the water evaporates. This would probably require a bit more taping & drywall mud.

Good luck in your project. I would be interested in some of the details regarding your strawbale home.

Regards,
Will

 -----Original Message-----
From: flyfisherkb at centuryinter.net [mailto:flyfisherkb at centuryinter.net]
Sent: Monday, January 11, 1999 5:42 AM
To: Firstbrook, Will
Subject: Cob straw partition insulation


Have completed the exterior of my straw bale house.  the interior has
some 2x4 partitions that will be drywalled.  I am considering using
straw or light straw clay to insulate the interior walls mainly for
sound reduction.

Is it necessary to use clay treated straw?  Any other thoughts,
pitfalls?

Thanks

Keith