Re: [papercreters] Re: Hello all you smart papercreters...

Wow! Thank you Ernie you answered my questions quick!!

Ernie Phelps <eepjr24@gmail.com> wrote:

--- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, "scottkts" <scottkts@...> wrote:
>
> I am looking to buy a house that has an addition (2 stories)
> recently added to it by a do it your-selfer. She made her own
> papercrete blocks with recycled paper and portland concrete. They
> are 4" x 14" thick and she used them for insulation on the outside
> walls.
> It is basically- outside wall, papercrete block holding wieght and
> then 2 x 2 boards to tack the sheet rock on..

Sorry, after reading your post, I am a bit confused. A block has 3
dimensions, so not sure which two you provided. If the blocks are
14" thick, then they are approximately R42, which should be adequate
for even a Wyoming winter. If the walls are 4" thick, that would be
approsimately R12, which I would not even consider adequate in my
home in Central Florida.

> My question is most importantly, are there any mold issues?

The answer is, it depends. The first thing I would do is get a
reputable home inspector out. That is one of many issues he should
be able to help on. The factors include the mix of the papercrete,
how much concrete was used, was borax or another mold inhibitor
used, etc. If the wall is not currently moldy, you can probably
apply a mold inhibitor such as Boracare to it to alleviate any
concerns about future mold.

> What do papercrete walls do to the value of the home (it's built
> in 1973)

The two ways that they could affect value would be perception and
insulative value. Higher insulation = lower heating bills = higher
buyer appeal. Being a greener solution that many, that has appeal to
those who wish environmentally friendly homes. To those who are wary
of alternative building materials, it could be a turn off.

> how well do they insulate and what is the life span?

The R-value of papercrete is somewhere between 3-4 per inch of
thickness, as a guideline. The mix and method can affect this. Life
span is currently unknown, although I understand there are
structures in Wymoing that have been standing for 10+ years with
papercrete. I would say with proper care and inspection it should be
equivalent to most other wood products, but that is merely
speculation on my part.

HTH,

- Ernie

---

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