[Cob] Radiant floors - why not cob???

[ocean]

After I finished my last post, I just realized I am concerened about 
the "off topic" subject of this whole thread (which I posted with an 
off topic answer):  Why aren't we discussing cob-floor radiant systems 
instead of concrete?

PEX (which I just posted about) is ideal under cob, as well as 
concrete.  You can even used the 6x6 wire mesh to zip-tie the PEX to.  
And cob is neutral and non-reactive, if you decided to used copper.

So a plea to get back on topic - let's discuss cob floor systems.  I 
doubt anyone investing in the eco-friendly lifestyle of cob 
construction would really want to live with a concrete slab under their 
feet.  Especially considering the fact that medical waste is often used 
to fire Portland cement kilns resulting in embedded radioactive 
isotopes in your slab...

One of the side benefits to a cob floor is that if for some reason your 
water system springs a leak (very unlikely) - cob is much easier to 
excavate and reinstall than a concrete slab - you don't need a jack 
hammer!  Just a flat shovel, mattock, wheelbarrow to demo a cob floor.

One warning - Breitenbush has a little cob meditation hut called 
Budda's Playhouse, with a geothermal system in the earthen floor.  
However, they must have used turpentine & linseed in the finish, and 
YEARS later the system still stinks of solvent!  Very important to work 
out this detail, since the heated cob will outgas any solvent more than 
an unheated cob floor.  (Any thoughts on this Charmaine?)

And another concern, regarding the possible embedded clay pipe flue in 
the floor - if there are any leaks (ever so small) you might be 
subjecting your living space to carbon monoxide poisoning...


On Jan 29, 2007, at 10:48 AM, joe r dupont wrote:

> WRAP THE COPPER PIPE WITH PE FILM..
> I THINK THE FAILURES ARE MORE FROM ABRASION CAUSED BY EXPANSION AND
> CONTRACTION OF THE COPPER  RATHER THAN THE  CHEMICAL ASPECT OF IT.  IF
> THE CONCRETE IS DRY.. REALLY DRY THAT WOULD BE MINIMAL.