[papercreters] Re: underground papercrete house? How do I waterproof it?

Barry Fuller does not recommend using Papercrete to build underground shelters no matter how it is waterproofed either. Since you claim to have read his website, I'm surprised that you weren't already aware of this fact.

Barry advocates elastomerics for above ground waterproofing of papercrete, and some other specialty uses. In those applications it works great. Of course, this is competely different than what you are proposing.

As far as alternative underground construction techniques, there are many. Earthbag probably is the least expensive. Poured reinforced concrete probably the most expensive. Then there are a whole host of other techniques from stone masonry, to buried cargo containers, to earthship, and many more. Each different technique has advantages and disadvantages, pretty much like everything else in life.

I also would add that waterproofing an underground structure involves a great deal more than simply coating the structural shell with a waterproofing. To do it correctly, begins with site selection to avoid water in the first place. Then one must excavate sufficiently and provide subsurface drainage to prevent water from exerting constant hydraulic pressure as well as avoiding any chance of frost heaving or any other form of ground shifting which tends to cause cracks that even the best waterproofing systems cannot prevent from leaking. Once the structural shell is completed and waterproof coatings applied, correct backfilling and appropriate compaction is critical. Backfilling with non permeable materials next to the shell will not allow water to drain away properly. Not to mention the potential for damaging waterproofing layers during the backfilling process. Finally, after backfilling, probably the most important factor is final grading and landscaping. Those final measures of grading and landscaping are probably just as important if not more important than whatever waterproof coatings someone may apply to the underground shell.

The point is that keeping water out of any underground structure involves a whole series of inter-related interdependent systems. Make mistakes in any one of those systems and it compromises all the others.

I once more encourage starting small. Perhaps you might want to consider a project similar to a small underground root cellar as a starter project. Learn what works well for you on something that requires a smaller investment of time and money before undertaking a larger project that eats up a great deal more time and money.


As far as you not understanding why grown men enjoy football. That is clearly your choice and I have no problem with you making that choice. The point was that enjoying a gathering of friends and/or family, whether that be to watch a football game, celebrate a birthday party, holidays, a poker game, a pizza party, ballroom dancing, bible study, quilting bee, tiddlywink tournament, or any other reason that people gather, does not require a big expensive house. The gathering can take place in a variety of spaces. I only clarify this point for everyone else on Papercreters since you made it clear through your tone that you do not want to get the point, which is your choice. I have neither the desire nor the time to judge anyone's life choices but my own.




--- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, "waterengineman101" <shanerileyservices@...> wrote:
>
> "No matter what someone
> uses to try to waterproof it, it will be insufficient."....And HOW do you know this? I was reading Barry Fullers websight last night (livinginpaperdotcom). He plainly wrote that there ARE ways to waterproof papercrete. Using UGL DryLoK is just one way. Those makers swear no water will come through.
>
> "There are other far more effective and reliable methods to build an underground shelter. Many of them can be very inexpensive."....And what might they be since that is the avenue I am on.
>
> "Second... if someone is considering building underground, please make certain that you are building on HIGH GROUND!!!!"...Got you covered on that one.
>
> "Select a State/County/Community that has low property taxes in the first place."...Not possible. And disreguard what I said about taxes. That was my business anyway.
>
> "Short of building a submarine buried in the ground, your waterproofing is doomed to fail regardless of the construction system you employ."....Jesus, Talk about dooms dayers. And how much research have YOU done on this subject before making THAT comment?
>
> "Garages and Barns are also useful, but taxed at a higher rate than a shed, but also taxed at a lower rate than a house. Don't hesitate to build a Garage or Barn if that is what you need, but don't build a garage or barn to be a storage shed. Sheds are the cheapest storage you can build." ...And if you Just use 18 wheeler box type (cargo) trailers and leave the wheels on them and use them as storage sheds well then you won't be taxed at all on them. Old U-haul truck work good too.
>
> " I watched the Superbowl at a friend's farm shop building. He just moved his truck and tractor outside and pushed all his tools to one wall. There was a huge expanse of space and he rolled out a carpet and moved in a bunch of furniture and a big TV. BBQ was plentiful. We played touch football with the kids indoors. Great fun.".....I never could understand the concept of grown men playing football. It don't make me money...so why do it is what I allways figured.
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