[Cob] foundations and waterproofing

[Marlin Nissen]

Just out there lurking and wanted to muddy the waters (Pun intended)....
 
If you're talking about Cob (clay / sand /straw) I WOULD'nt use a waterproof membrane as that's where moisture will get trapped and do MORE damage by trapping moisture at that point. Clay has a marvelous way of absorbing moisture and then releasing it and the condensation/wicking would come and go, based upon temp/humidity. Instead I think if you're very worried about moisture getting up into the cob (from especially concrete) I'd put a good, very sticky layer of mud.
 
My rule is always "like with like" i.e. natural substance with natural cob, not styrofoam, plastic or other unbreathing substances against something (like cob) that falls apart if it can't breathe.
 
My 2 cents,
 
Marlin

Amanda Peck <ap615 at hotmail.com> wrote:

Never used this for anything, especially not a foundation, but would 
something like a brush-on EPDM coating work? between the foundation and the 
cob?

Probably right expensive, but less annoying than putting something with all 
your mix on the lower end. Do it once and you're done. These guys swear 
that they're world-wide.

http://www.epdmcoatings.com/

Could the same thing be done with asphalt emulsion? That does tend to be 
inexpensive.


From: Lorraine Z
Topic: Foundations and waterproofing.
What do others do about waterproofing between foundations and
their cob walls? As most cobbers seem to have foundation rocks butting
up into their walls rather than building a flat-topped foundation, it's
not possible to use a waterproof membrane. We've priced commercial
waterproofing solutions for adding into the foundation mix, and this
would be far too expensive for us. Your comments would be much
appreciated.



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