Green Construction Using Firewood!

By Andy LeBarron

Current construction approaches are highly economical and secure. Due to the safety of todays' homes, many occupants are oblivious to the high voltage and toxic by product given off by todays human society. The loudest complaint against modern construction techniques may very well be the fact that there are umpteen chemicals and other toxins produced in the creation of todays' homes.

This tendency to involve so umpteen caustic chemical in the production of building supplies has had a back lash known as Green construction. The goal of Green erecting is to involve as numerous renewable resources as possible and avoid any caustic chemicals as much as can be done. A Green construction technique, known as stackwall or cordwood constructing, is gaining in popularity among umpteen ecologically concerned people.

Cord wood construction is basically using firewood that is cut to a specified dimension as fill for a mortar supported wall. Think of it like this, instead of using bricks, you use wood. The length of the firewood can vary depending on the climate and other factors. The wide the wall, the higher the "R" factor so try to remember that you can change wall thickness as needed, but your primary goal is stability.

The biggest benefit of building a dwelling out of cordwood construction is the price. Typically a 2000 square foot home can be built out of about 5 cords of firewood, which may cost less than $1000 depending on your location. The beauty of stackwall construction is most accented when used alongside another old time construction method like a post and beam support system.

The second biggest benefit of stackwall construction is that it is something anyone can do with a little effort. It takes time to build a cord wood wall straight and true, but it is not that hard so any novice builder can have a decent house erected safely. Since the mortar takes time to set up and harden you can only go at a certain pace of constructing which allows you to rest and plan before getting too far ahead of yourself.

The most important benefit of cordwood construction is that you are creating a home which does not release poisonous chemicals into the dwelling environment. Once the mortar is dried the dwelling is done releasing any gases or chemicals, so you do not have to worry about your kids inhaling formaldehyde for 2 years afterward like you do in new construction. Make sure you do not undermine your own efforts to remain chemical free by inadvertently adding unnecessary chemicals yourself. This is easy to avoid given you use non-formaldehyde based glue for your carpets and use a water based paint product for the walls.

Stackwall building will ensure you live in a chemically stable environment, as long as you follow the preciously mentioned guidelines. - 29970

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