Table of Contents
How long does a hay bale house last?
100 years
If built correctly a straw bale home can last 100 years at least. When it’s life cycle is complete, a structure stripped of all but the walls can be tilled back into the earth.
Are hay bale houses good?
Because straw bales are so tightly packed, they have three times the fire resistance of conventionally constructed walls. It seems counterintuitive, but straw bale is an excellent choice in areas prone to wildfires. The thick, dense walls are soundproof, making the home a refuge from the noisy world.
Can hay be used for cob?
As they say, hay is for horses. Don’t use it for cob! Wheat straw is a great option for your fiber ingredient. Its widely available in the United States and many other countries.
What kind of sand do you use for a cob house?
How to Mix the Perfect Batch of Cob
- 2 Parts Sand. The sand you should look for is coarse, or “sharp” as some building suppliers will refer to it. What you’re after is sand that has a rough texture, not smooth and rounded like beach sand.
- 1 Part Clay. Digging and slaking clay in buckets.
How long does it take a cob house to dry?
It can take months to years for your cob to dry out fully. The bulk of the moisture will dry out in the first year, but it will not fully cure for 1-2 years beyond that. Once you’ve built your cob house and added your roof, allow it to breathe for several months before moving in.
How do you keep mice out of hay bales?
Joel Karsten, a straw bale gardening expert and author of several books including “Straw Bale Gardens: The Breakthrough Method for Growing Vegetables Anywhere, Earlier and with No Weeding,” says that regular watering and adding some mesh as a barrier between the straw and the ground are two great ways to keep rodents …
How thick should cob walls be?
between 18 to 24 inches
How thick should cob walls be? The thinner that cob walls are the less load bearing capacity and thermal mass that they will have. I recommend the width of cob walls be between 18 to 24 inches as a standard. This gives plenty of load bearing capacity for a one story building and plenty of thermal mass.
Can you use beach sand for cob?
You want to use construction grade sand or river sand. You do NOT want to use fine beach sand – save the fine sand for the plaster. Rougher sand particles are better for making a strong cob mix.
Can cob withstand rain?
Rain can be one of the main enemies to the integrity of your cob structure. But at the same time, cob walls can actually withstand a tremendous amount of water hitting them and still be fine. Its more the slow “drip” and consistent dampness that we want to avoid.
How long do cob houses last for?
How long does cob last? The oldest cob house currently standing is 10,00 years old. If this doesn’t speak to how strong and durable cob houses are, then nothing will. Cob houses are built to stand forever as long as their roofs are maintained, and they are properly looked after.
How do I keep rats out of my hay bales?
Pack any small openings with steel wool or stiff metal screen; use caulking to hold the metal in place. Eliminating feed sources and blocking access will deter a significant number of rodents. Now you can use traps and bait stations/rodenticides to get rid of any remaining rats and mice.
What is a straw bale and plaster house?
Learn more… Building a straw bale and plaster house is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to create a home. This guide covers the materials and methods you might use to build a straw bale house, a house that can last hundreds of years, is energy efficient and is cheap to maintain.
How much does it cost to build a hay bale house?
It will cost, on average, between $130 and $150 per square foot. It does depend on several variables including: location, labour costs and the size of the bale house you’re intending to build. Thanks! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Is straw bale construction popular in the US?
The popularity of straw bale construction is growing in the US. Search online, typing in “Appendix M Straw-Bale Structures” for some more detailed info, from US standards.