SpudsRus's blog

Hey Kevin!

A short while back, I saw a clip from the show on Youtube. That particular episode showed you guys pouring a formed limestone window sill cap. I'd be interested in knowing the ingredients in the mix and the ratio's used? I'd considered using quarried stone, but this looks to be a better, less expensive choice. Any details you can supply would be greatly appreciated...

Regards,
Mark aka: Spuds

Prince, that he is.. -yeah I'm gonna. But all in good humor, and intent. With a few questions to show details. Let us begin with my cheap pot-shots.

Kevin you're a good lookin' guy, and come off on camera as honest and sincere. But, as I asked Max? "Who dresses this guy?!" (yeah, shallow stuff..) But Lime green, is NOT your color, and that paisley print shirt caused the auto-focus on the camera to go crazy! Enuf of my cheap shots.. But, do listen to your production crew, or your wife... Please quit dressing yourself.

On the episode on mudding. I was pleased to see that you took several specific steps. And, curious and questioning others?

First being, the use of wire mesh over all, over all of the bales? Was that a code requirement? I acknowledge that you're in the heartland of earthquake theritory, and shear resistance is a common concern. But, from all the old fart (like me) sages I know? They all advise against the inclusion of a solid mass of mesh between the mud and the bales, for the very same reason. The antithesis of exclusion of mesh, is as solid as inclusion. -With a ridiged framework like that between the bales and the mud. -That has no ablility, to flex in any given direction, or more than one, at one time. -Only ensures that the mud skin of the home will not move in relationship to the bales underneath. I didn't see, that you included "Hardyframes" at the intersecting corners? Also, a California code issue. But, maybe not so, with your solid steel framework.

Back to the mesh. I found it highly interesting, that a liquid lime solution was sprayed onto the bales, thru the mesh. I can only assume, that was to act as a bonding agent to ensure the chemical heating agent to adhear the mud to the bales, thru the mesh? -First time I've seen that. I wished, that I'd hear about the use of spraying boric acid as fire retardant, or using diametatious earth as a natural insect abatement issue?

I want to go on record.. Kevin, in his choice of finish coats both interior and exterior.. Is dead right on! I only wished, he'd gone into further detail about how each layer and coat is conprised and applied. I.E. : With each coat: the ratio of sand, clay, straw and/or lime changes. With each layer, all of the ingrediants, become much more refined..

I'm not totally "anti" mesh. For every transition point from bales to wood, or other materials, blood lath (diamond mesh) is an absolute.-But, that leads me to my next question.

On the electrical/plumbing episode. Your expert posed condensation issues -Was similar consideration given between the steel posts and the bales? Without, a simple condensation barrier. The "Wicking action" of steel within the bales could produce unwelcomed end results. An asphalt solution (un-green as it is), is the best alternative. -Unless someone else has a better atternative..

On the water issue episode. There was so much more that could be said, and options. Sorry, if I'm trying to turn BGTV into HGTV or DIYTV.. -Those are networks, and BGTV is so far, on it's own. If I've got one wish left, that'll change too.

I've dragged anyone left alive, reading too long. But, could post another chapter, on the water issues alone. -Just as a teaser, to got one step better? Ask me (Google) about an Alascan System.' Ask me about, a composting pit, solar green house? Ask about, solar fueling for a hydronic heating system.

All that it all takes, is time and money. The more money you have the quicker it'll happen. The less you have. Longer but, will cost you less money with way more time and labor. Ain't that just the way the world works?

Hope ya'all reached the end..

Regards, and all that..

Spuds,
aka: Mark

Hello Fellow Green-Beins'

The recent blog posting by Myleenjan, regarding SIPs panels, has sparked me to toss out a question towards those ears bent in my direction. 

Without giving much of anything away in the way of design, to protect possible future patents?  Conceptually, I've been formulating a SIPs panel design that is almost 100% organic materials. Once the product passes the R&D phase, testing, and to the market.  It should quickly become an inexpensive, lightweight system not reliant on the use of petrochemicals in the production of a foamcore center.  Such a panel system could greatly benefit the rebuilding process in the wake of hurricane Katrina. As well as, generate an income stream for many of the same individuals in those effected areas.

Where I've been running to brickwalls, in my web searching concerns the sheathing material.  Wishing to avoid OSB wood fiber chip board.  I've been searching for a commercial producer of compressed straw sheathing material.  So far, I've only found products like StrawMit, that is a solid core panel system of their own.  Most other leads I've run across have lead to suppliers that for one reason or another, are no longer producing straw-board.  Someone, out there has to be, if it's being used as replacement material for fiber-board in kitchen and bathroom cabinet production? 

So, if anyone knows of such a producer that I've yet been able to find in my seemingly feable attempts of searching...  -I'd sure like to know!  Thanx, in advance!! 

Regards,

Mark  a.k.a. "Spuds"

I've long been an ardent student of building via SB. But, I find myself in the shadows of the Gods. To learn THE David Eisenberg, is logged on to BGT's blog format. Besides, looking like Einstein's, off spring.. He's the one champion of bringing the code restrictions of building green, into the mainstream, more so than any other individual than I can think of? Matts Myhrman, the Steens, plus a few others'; cut a trail to follow. David, on the other hand, took on Goliath.... With the strength of a mustard seed, he's prevailed. Attacking all of the reasons' why not to build via SB, or green to any regulatory body. Common building standards, as short as five years ago, had no clue about building the way he's remainded the stalward champion, of. "If" you're in a location, or circumstance that you don't know if codes will allow? Give, "Dr." David, an email.. www.dcat.com. Other than good advice, you'll find him to be a sweetheart of a guy, as I too know him to be.. Plus, he's smarter than owl-sh*t, which doesn't hurt either. Regards, Spudsrus..

Greetings' Green-bein's.

For those interested in straw bale, in the states of: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas? Just wanted to alert you to our Internet chat group hosted by Yahoo.com. For further details check out my personality profile. Or you could simply go direct to our home page, and check us out at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OkieBaleHeads/

Regards,
Mark

aka: "Spuds"