Comments on: Straw Bale House made by Single Mom for $50000

By: gardenoflia

gardenoflia — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:04:08 +0000

Respond to this video… Thank you! A “total” education & very well-done.

By: eotto2001

eotto2001 — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:48:35 +0000

Thank you for the post. How do you keep the mice and critters out of it?

By: strawladyhouse

strawladyhouse — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:37:08 +0000

@eotto2001 The bales are raised a foot on CMU block and covered with thick adobe plasters. No straw is visible in the end product. Most people cover their bales with stucco.

By: eotto2001

eotto2001 — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:40:03 +0000

@strawladyhouse Thanks for the reply. I found out that there are some here in Ohio which surprises me because moist here. They must have worked it out, too.

By: bluefrenchfries

bluefrenchfries — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:07:07 +0000

@eotto2001, I counter with: How do you keep them out of sheetrock (drywall)?
The premise a strawbale home would be more attractive to mice and critters is a total misconception. This is not loose hay or straw like in a barn. In fact, if done ideally the bales are harvested (baled) in the morning still slightly damp. When they dry and are finished with mud or plaster etc this results in an extremely tight building material that’s ultra energy efficient. Many have achieved R40 + in this way.

By: bluefrenchfries

bluefrenchfries — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:47:15 +0000

@strawladyhouse

Yes, fire is unfortunately another common misconception associated with strawbale construction. Stick frame with sheetrock is actually ideal for fire with it’s large air pockets and plentiful ignition sources. Strawbale construction with tight bales and plastered walls is the opposite of what fire loves. It may smolder (think cigar) but there are documented cases of it taking 3 days to finally burn through a wall–obviously plenty of time to get everyone out. Easy repair too.

By: bluefrenchfries

bluefrenchfries — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:26:32 +0000

@JewLoco
What are the benefits of strawbale construction?? Faaaar too many to mention here. A few are efficiency, cost, flexibility, sustainability, easy of construction, ease of repair, and most noticeably when inside it just “feels” right to many (cozy factor). There are many, many books and websites dedicated to strawbale and it’s many benefits. When combined with sustainable designs such as passive solar (as mentioned by Carolyn) it’s incredibly hard to beat. Have a look! : )

By: bluefrenchfries

bluefrenchfries — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:43:47 +0000

@kinkyboyxxcdn
HAY is for HORSES!!
STRAW is for homes. ; )

By: drjohnes

drjohnes — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:34:10 +0000

Very good. Thank you.

By: eotto2001

eotto2001 — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:01:14 +0000

@bluefrenchfries With fiberglass insulation in regular construction, you can have a lot of problems with moisture and insects like carpenter ants. I need more information on it from the people here who have built your way. We have 80% humidity during our summers. I can’t wrap my head around though the structures seem to be working. When you used different construction materials, they all have their unique issues and fixes. I like your house. It has a good “feel” to it.