[Strawbale] code required vapor retarder

[Shody Ryon]

--- Wayneapple at aol.com wrote:

<snip>
> "Vapor retarder. An approved vapor retarder shall be
> provided.
>  Exceptions:
>  1) where other approved means to avoid condensation

> and leakage of moisture are provided.
<snip>

It seems to me that SB builder are especially
sensitive to reducing condensation inside of walls,
more so than most other buildering systems. The
present thought, evedenced by posts on this list is
that most "approved vapor retarder" hurt more than
help. It seems to me that if the building department
wishes to be a possitive influence on construction, it
would listen to what the current thinking is regarding
SB building. I would not be surprised for someone in
the local building department noticed that you are not
proposing one on your project. I also think it is
perfectly logical and natural to start a dialog with
your inspector about this. If you start with something
like "I really want to build this the best way
possible. I do not intend to cut any corners. There
has a been a progression of knowledge regarding vapor
barriors, including a time when 6 mil plastic sheeting
was used in the 1980s that caused more harm than good.
because of the importance of this issue to SB
builders, a lot of experimentation has been done done
and this is what the present thinking is regarding
this subject among SB builders."
Print out some of the discussions about this from this
list and see if an SB architect will speak with the
inspector. I would be surprised if it continues to be
an issue after that.
Cheers,
Shody


       
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