Cob: RE: RE: Posts embedded in cob

Fri Nov 3 14:26:45 CST 2000

Hi Robynn,

The reason I was suggesting the use of tar paper around the embedded posts
is that wood usually soaks up the moisture on fresh plaster too fast causing
it to crack. It is absolutely need for strawbale construction, as subsequent
layers of plaster usually perpetuate cracks that occur in the 1st layer.
With cob since it is most likely applied much thicker it may not be as much
as a problem. If tar paper is used then some form of screening is needed to
help bond the post with the earthen mixture.

Regarding the earthen floor, The rocks & the 3" layer of straw that
compressed down to about 5/8" does have an insulative effect. The floor is
cool but not cold. I did install a 1/2" oxygen barrier pex pipe on top of
the straw so I can hook up hydronic heating if desired. I was thinking of
putting some Styrofoam down under the floor but I didn't. The floor which
still isn't complete took about 20 times longer than I expected and 100
times longer than my wife expected and it is still not finished.  I will be
finishing the other 2/3 of the floor with ceramic tiles.I almost wished we
went with the option of cement over Styrofoam then finishing with ceramic
tiles. It would have been cheaper & faster for our situation. If you have
time and free/cheap help earthen is great. 

Regards,
Will

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<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2>Hi 
Robynn,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial 
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2>The 
reason I was suggesting the use of tar paper around the embedded posts is that 
wood usually soaks up the moisture on fresh plaster too fast causing it to 
crack. It is absolutely need for strawbale construction, as subsequent layers of 
plaster usually perpetuate cracks that occur in the 1st layer. With cob since it 
is most likely <FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff>applied much 
thicker it may not be as much as a problem. If tar paper is used then some form 
of screening is needed to help bond the post with the earthen 
mixture.</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT 
face=Arial><FONT size=2></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><FONT 
color=#0000ff>Regarding the earthen floor, The rocks & the 3" layer of 
straw that compressed down to about 5/8" does have an insulative effect. 
The floor is cool but not cold. I did install a 1/2" oxygen barrier pex 
pipe on top of the straw so I can hook up hydronic heating if desired. I was 
thinking of putting some Styrofoam down under the floor but I didn't. The floor 
which still isn't complete took about 20 times longer than I expected and 100 
times longer than my wife expected and it is still not finished.  I will be 
finishing the other 2/3 of the floor with ceramic tiles.I almost wished we went 
with the option of cement over Styrofoam then finishing with ceramic tiles. It 
would have been cheaper & faster for our situation. If you have time and 
free/cheap help earthen is great. </FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><FONT 
color=#0000ff></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial 
size=2>Regards,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial 
size=2></FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff 
face=Arial size=2>Will</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=970203018-03112000><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial 
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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