Thinking about how to insulate my
cob floor ecologically. I know Light
Straw Clay (LSC) doesn't have massive R-Value, but it is cheap, abundant, and also regulates moisture very nicely - at least in walls.
I already have a
concrete base (not my doing, but gladly, I have it now!!) My idea would be to lay 3 inches of pea-gravel on top of this, to reduce moisture wicking (I prefer to avoid plastic membranes) - then 10 inches or so of LSC, before the finishing layers of cob. I think this would give me an R-value of around R15-20 in the floor.
Since I've never worked with LCS before, I'd also be concerned about its structural integrity, and how it could withstand weight and shocks to the floor. But I imagine it could be better than imagined. The cob layer would take the brunt of any knocks or bangs anyway.
Do people add lime to LCS also - to further increase its resistance to moisture / rot?
Any advice or suggestions most very welcome!
Thank you! :)
Charlie
