Cob: Cob

[Darel Henman]

Michael,
  you might find this article useful.  Most people forget about thermal
mass use as a means of insulation.  Here is one article about the myth
of R-values:  http://www.monolithicdome.com/plan_design/rfairy/

  Regarding an R-value for cob, you might use 

Some figures I have for just soil are below.  I'd say it's be a little
higher than this due to the inclusion of straw.  

Soil, Hvy & Dry(average)   R-val    0.167 per inch
Soil Dry & Packed	   R-val    0.400 per inch
Soil with Stones	   R-val    0.278 per inch

I'd think that cob would be in this range.  You might try doing a google
search for "soil AND R-value" or something of this sort.

Darel


Michael Grant wrote:
> 
> I have a few questions.  After reading some of the posts, is ther a
> general idea of what insulation value cob has?? I know they use it in
> UK.  Some of the posts suggest that cob does not have a good
> insulation value.
> I live in NC and am in  zone 7 whcih says that our mim temp is 10
> degrees.  It is rarely that cold.  Am I a good candidate for cob?
> If you have these answers please help and if not maybe direct me to a
> guide that can answer these insulaton questions.   I know how I will
> insulate the floor and the roof jsut need to know about the walls.
> Thanks in advance
> Michael Grant