[Cob] foundations and waterproofing

[Marlin Nissen]

We're in a cold, condensation and wicking type area
(Wisconsin) and have really like a good, well packed
rubble trench (with washed stone, not crushed
limestone in it) foundation below grade with urbanite
or stone on top  of that. The cob does not appear to
get much if any moisture UP into it,,,,,tuffer to keep
water out from the top during the  3 day drizzles then
any UPWARD wicking.

Never tried to make Cob into a waterfall ;-)

Marlin

p.s. moisture stands against non permeable areas and
WON't dry anywhere we've had plastic/styro/ etc.
against and earthen plaster or cob.

--- Amanda Peck <ap615 at hotmail.com> wrote:

> 
> Sounds reasonable, unless you are trying to build
> something like Wright's 
> Falling Water.
> 
> So a good, well drained gravel foundation with rock
> starting at or just 
> below ground level would be fine in most climates?
> ...................
> Peter and Marlin replied to Lorraine and me
> (snipped)
> So my question is why do you need to waterproof
> between the foundation and 
> the cob ?
> 
> >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.
> 
> 
> 
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