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Earthbags deteriorating

 
Tom Connolly
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Location: SW Washington State
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I have noticed that there is concern about earth bags deteriorating. What happens if they do? Will a good outer and inn covering prevent them from deteriorating or is in unavoidable, just a matter of time before it happens? Would painting the bags prolong their lives?
 
Alder Burns
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I think most of this work is done with synthetic mesh bags, which are resistant to rot by molds and moisture, but are quite sensitive to UV breakdown from sunlight. So hasty painting or stuccoing exposed surfaces should prevent this and make them basically permanent.
 
John Pollard
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From what I gather, poly bags have been around 30 years or so and they're still popping up from the landfills in solid condition but they are a temporary mold for a good soil mix that will harden like an adobe brick when fully cured. To fully cure, they need to breath which is why earthen based plaster is used as well as a lime based wash. For temporary UV protection, tarps.
 
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