How to Use Straw for Insulation

Eco-friendly homes and buildings are becoming increasingly popular. Alternative methods to providing insulation in buildings include using straw bales. Following these steps will help you to use straw to insulate your home.

Instructions

1. Maintain a dry environment for the straw bales at all times during the process of installation. Wet bales invite mold and bugs and will increase overall costs to your project since you will have to replace the bales.

2. Build a wooden structure or framing for the home. Include your window frames and door frames, following the same building codes for a typical home.

3. Place the straw bales between the framing pieces just as you would place bricks.

4. Cover the straw bales with mesh, securing them in place with needles.

5. Insert sensors in the wall to detect moisture.

6. Driving stakes into your bales will let you hang pictures or shelves to your finished walls. Attach your electrical boxes to these stakes as well. Trim the bales around the boxes.

7. Apply several coats of plaster. You also may mix in dye to add immediate color to your walls as you plaster. Your outside walls will have an added layer of stucco plaster, adding to its thickness.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to attend a hands-on workshop to allow you some practice before beginning your own project.

• Review your local building codes to ensure compliance.

Resources

• Insulating with straw
• Natural fiber insulation
• Straw bale building
• Green planet homes