[GSBN] Strawbale wall mold

[Bohdan Dorniak]

John

I would test the height of the wall with a moisture meter to see where the
moisture is the highest on the wall -top or bottom? It seems that the mould
is in the middle?

One of the photos does show a window(?)

Also there seems to be a corrugated ceiling. (Moisture build up on the
ceiling and running into the wall?)

What sort of render? Type of sand - does it contain salt and is the render
absorbing the moisture from the room because of salt content (in Adelaide
this happens -we call it salt damp)?

When did the mould first appear?

Is there a toe up - can't tell from the photos.

Definitely needs an inspection.

Hope this helps.

Bohdan

 

From: GSBN-bounces at sustainablesources.com
[mailto:GSBN-bounces at sustainablesources.com] On Behalf Of John Glassford
Sent: Tuesday, 20 March 2012 9:09 PM
To: Global Straw Building Network
Subject: Re: [GSBN] Strawbale wall mold

 

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 <http://www.glassford.com.au/> 
61 2 6927 6027
In Australia (02) 6927 6027

 

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



These pictures were sent with Picasa, from Google.
Try it out here: http://picasa.google.com/

 

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