[GSBN] Strawbale wall mold

[John Glassford]

G ' day

This chap called me out of the blue and has a problem with mould in his
walls.

It is only in the interior walls and not on the exterior bale walls.

If anyone can offer him a solution that would be much appreciated.

We did not build this house so I have no idea of scope, size and method
used apart from it is an in-fill.

Climate should not be a major problem however it is sub-tropical but we
have built several buildings in the same area with no problems and they
have been up for a while now, some over 12 years old.

Kind regards
Susan and John Glassford
Huff 'n' Puff Constructions
http://www.glassford.com.au
61 2 6927 6027
In Australia (02) 6927 6027

Mountains of the Moon Climb 2011
http://www.mountainsofthemoon.org

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ola Anderson <ola5 at bigpond.com>
Date: 20 March 2012 20:02
Subject: Strawbale wall mold
To: jacksflat at gmail.com
Cc: ola5 at bigpond.com




Location: Sunshine coast Queensland Australia

Situation; the cut side of the bales began to appear as water marks through
the interior render. Mould odour followed promptly. All the interior walls
are now showing this symptom. None of the exterior walls show any of these
symptoms.

Interior climate; of house is good. However during the wet season relative
humidity inside is approx 55%. Out side 60% at 12 noon
The house is well ventilated with plenty of louvered windows.

History;        House is one and a half years old.
               Built on a concrete slab
               Post and beam construction
               Bale walls are in fills, sitting on a water proof membrane,
and a bed of gravel. The bale walls are strapped.
               Bales used were high quality Oat.
               Roof over hangs are 1.5 meters so no direct rain ever hits
the walls
               Walls have three coats of lime render on both sides plus two
coats of lime wash.

I'm concerned about my family's health. Today I knocked a hole into one of
the interior walls. I pulled some of the oat straw out and I can't tell
really if it is damp or just cool. Visual inspection showed black tips to
about 5 mm on the cut end of the straw nearest to the render. I'm not sure
if that is from wetting the bales and the render during construction. But I
don't think so. The straw further into the bale looked normal.

I fear this may be a major problem. I have a feeling the moisture level in
the bales is in the hazard zone.



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