[Strawbale] mice in SB and strawclay

[Derek Roff]

>> I don't think there is anything wrong with using a clay/straw mix 
for
walls and there may be good reasons to do so but it's a lot of extra
work and unnecessary if the only goal is to discourage mice. <<

I have several doubts about strawclay as a wall system.  Most tests 
show poor insulation ability, although one Canadian test listed higher 
values.  There is generally a bloom of mold and/or fungus during the 
initial drying phase, as well as a lot of shrinkage that makes it 
difficult to create a good air barrier.

Relevant to the current discussion, I don't know if strawclay 
discourages mice or not.  If you want any insulation from the 
strawclay, you need to strive for the lowest possible density.  The 
clay in strawclay forms a very thin coating on each straw, probably 
only a few thousandths of an inch thick.  Mice who chew through wood 
and lime plaster would have no trouble working through strawclay.  My 
guess is that the postulated superior mouse resistance of strawclay is 
pure speculation.

Derelict


Derek Roff
Language Learning Center
Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885
Internet: derek at unm.edu