An investigation into the vapour permeability and durability of natural renders on an earthen wall system

Steve Goodhew, Matthew Fox, Jim Carfrae, Mohamed Boutouil, François Streiff, Kevin Owen, Becky Little and Karen Hood-Cree
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Steve Goodhew: University of Plymouth, UK
Matthew Fox: Environmental Building, UK
Jim Carfrae: Research Fellow, CobBauge (Interreg VA research project), Plymouth University, UK
Mohamed Boutouil: Deputy Director of Training and Research, Builders École d’ingénieurs, France
François Streiff: Architect, Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin (PnrMCB), France
Kevin Owen: Senior Technician, University of Plymouth, UK
Becky Little: Project Officer, Earth Building UK and Ireland, Rebearth, UK
Karen Hood-Cree: Project Manager, University of Plymouth, UK

Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, 2024, vol. 13, issue 1, 6-17

Abstract: This paper describes a novel methodology for establishing the relative moisture performance of renders used to protect a novel walling system combining traditional dense cob with a low-density thermal cob. A new method of enhancing the thermal insulation of cob walls has been developed by an European Union (EU)-funded joint UK and French project called CobBauge. The external surface of traditional cob walls (comprising subsoil, fibre and water) is normally protected from driving rain by placing the walls on a short wall called a plinth, a pronounced eaves overhang and a breathable exterior render. As the low-density fibre and clay insulating layer in the CobBauge system differs from traditional cob, a method of establishing the moisture-related performance of a range of renders needed to be instituted to aid the materials selection process. A series of test panels were constructed with the thermal cob infill, faced by a number of render types. The panels were hung in an open position in a high exposure zone and the moisture content monitored using wood-block sensors, electrical resistivity and gravimetric measurements over a period of six months. The wood-block and electrical resistivity moisture measurements showed a good level of agreement with gravimetric measurements and showed a clear differentiation between the various render choices.

Keywords: earth walling; cob; render; lime; moisture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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