[Strawbale] Self draining plinth wall?

[Andrew Morrison]

You might consider using half insulation and half drainage to accommodate both issues. Bales are like sponges and I don't see water draining all the way through the wall unless it's a really big leak. I do like the drainage rock at the bottom of the wall as a capillary break though and as a defense against water on the floor from say a broken washing machine water line from getting sucked up into the bales. 

Andrew

www.StrawBale.com

Sent from my iPhone. Sorry about any typos or "auto words" that might be wrong.

On Oct 13, 2011, at 11:35 PM, beisteiner at gmx... wrote:

> Dear All
> I am in the process of designing a family house, built in the load bearing compressive frame technique in Austria.
> So far the design meets the requirements of the local building regulations. However, there is one detail where there is still discrepancy. It is the issue about the self draining plinth wall. Some experts (or countries) do not and others make it a requirement for strawbale buildings (in countries with cold climates). Does anyone know why?
> I am aware that there is condensation in the straw wall during cold periods, but is it that much that drainage is necessary? How much condensate is to be expected at the base plate (ladder construction with insulation) during winter time? In case water is accumulating, does it need to be drained off or can the water sit there until it is getting warmer.
> For example, Amazonails just do self draining foundations. One argument for installing those is to make sure, that water entering the top of the wall trough a leaking roof, run trough to the bottom of the wall and then drain off. So far I have not found other arguments supporting the self draining plinth wall.
> Please, can you help me and clarify that moisture/condensation issue.
> 
> Thank you so much.
> Alexander
> 
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