[Greenbuilding] Quick Question re Thermal Mass!

[Mary Bull - Greenwood Earth Alliance]

Greetings, Greenbuilders!

I hope this email finds you well!

We are having to make a decision about flooring for the "great room" (420 SF--not so great, really ;-) where all the south light hits in winter. I have assumed for a while now that it must be of some sort of masonry (we are thinking slate tiles now). However, my new natural builder says that these will not provide the mass needed for adequate thermal absorption because they will not be thick enough (about an inch or so including the mortar they are set in). However, he says that the interior walls themselves coated with a thick layer (2 inches or so) of earth-clay will provide enough thermal mass. I am not convinced, because not as much wall will be receiving direct sunlight as floor. 

If the slate does not provide a significant improvement in the area of thermal mass, then we will go with the cheaper salvaged hardwood.

Any thoughts offhand?

Many thanks,

Mary

Mary Bull, Co-director
Greenwood Earth Alliance, Save the Redwoods - Boycott the Gap Campaign
252 Frederick, San Francisco, CA 94117 http://www.gapsucks.org
Chalice Farm and Sustainable Living Center, 748 Montgomery Rd, Sebastopol CA 95472
415-731-7924 - 415-509-1188 chalicenew at earthlink.net