Jeff Calder

Thanks very much everyone, you have given me a lot to think about. I have a couple more questions if you have time... I was planning to use steel rebar to reinforce, but you say you would not use steel. Can I ask why and what you would use instead? Also, I am wondering about the best route to attack the foundation? The house plans I have called for a rammed earth footing for the foundation... However, living in Canada as I do I'm concerned about freezing and thawing. My first thought is to use the rammed earth but to insulate the outside of the foundation. I was hoping to avoid pouring a traditional concrete foundation but it may be necessary... The battle of the frostline... Gotta love it! Any thoughts?

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply. I am actually planning a double wall build with the insulation in the middle. I was commenting that at 18" I would only be left with 7" of rammed earth on either side of the insulation. I am wondering if that is thick enough and if there s a "magic number" for wall thickness that will ensure its structural integrity. I have yet to find clear info on this. If you have any thoughts I would appreciate your insight. Thanks again!

Jeff

Hello,

I am in the beginning stages of designing a rammed earth house in Eastern Canada and I have questions regarding insulation and wall thickness. I read that an 18" rammed earth wall would have an approximate R value of 6. I was looking at some 2" thick rigid insulation to use in the interior of the walls with an R value of 10. I was wondering if anyone has used similar materials in a cold climate and maybe could hep me with a couple questions:

1) Should you Double up the rigid insulation to make it 4" thick with a value of R20?

2)If so, would you increase the thickness of an 18" wall to compensate for the thicker layer of insulation?

3) Is there a minimum thickness recommended for the rammed earth wall on ether side of the rigid insulation?

If I kept my wall 18" thick and took away 4" for insulation, that would leave me with a 7" thick wall on either side. Somehow I feel like that isn't enough... I would appreciate insight from anyone with knowledge and experience on this. I'm sill learning! Thanks folks!

Jeff

Hi Gregory,

Thanks very much for the offer... We will definitely be looking for some folks interested in some "hands on learning" this summer. Annapolis Royal is a beautiful spot, we have camped there several times in my younger days. Where are you moving from? Thanks again Gregory!

Jeff

Hey guys, I appreciate the answers. After looking into the options we decided to switch our build from earth bag to rammed earth. We decided it would make more sense for js in several ways, and it seems to be a much more accepted style code wise. Thanks again for your thoughts gentlemen, and take care!

Jeff

Hello,

My wife and I are exploring our options for building our first home and we are very much intrigued by the earth bag building process. I am looking to talk with anyone who has built such a house in New Brunswick Canada about their experience regarding building codes and some of the building process. We are building in the Hammond River (Quispamsis) area and are wondering about the process for having this type of structure approved. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

Hello Mike,

My name is Jeff Calder and I am considering building an earth bag home in quispamsis nb. I would very much like to pick your brain about some of your trials and triumphs of building your home. I would also love to see you house if youre willing ro show it off. I am at a very early stage of considering this structure and any help and advice you could offer would be so greatly appreciated. If you arewilling to share youre wisdom I can be emailed at thecalder@gmail.com or contacted by phone at 506.645.8664. Thanks Mike, I hope to hear from tou soon! Thanks and take care.

Jeff Calder