Straw Bale Stucco Construction

Straw Bale Stucco Construction.
How to plaster over straw bales.
Building homes with straw bales.
My sons Carl and Dan are located in Sonora, CA.
They both understand stucco and most carpentry; both are in the process of getting their own license at this time. Both are young, strong, ambitious and have integrity instilled into them by a father with morals. Call them for your stucco or plastering needs.
The reward I received working with my sons, who worked with me most of their lives was beyond measurement in cash or pizza, as I believe what my dad used to say often. Use it or lose it.
This applies to physical strength as well as mental awareness.
Carl, [e-mail]
Dan, [e-mail]
In this video, we are giving some stucco tips when applying over Straw-Bale walls.
Tip one: stack the bales as straight as possible to avoid having to apply more than 3 inches; in this video, we are applying a bit over 10 inches in many areas.
Naturally, we chose the worst wall in the entire two-story home to focus our attention on.
The exterior was stuccoed 20 years ago, while the interior straw was put on hold to do much more important installs, like kitchen appliances, Cabinets, sheetrock, etc. There are no rules of time to finish any home, especially when you live in another that's finished on the same land. These folks are blessed to have a whopping one hundred acres with mountain views of even parts of Yosemite.
No wolf will try to blow any Straw-Bale home down. That would be futile. Unlike the castles in Europe, like in the HBO special Game of Thrones, you can have a fire going on permanently, but those rock castles will remain cold year-round. Now, take these Straw-Bale homes; once heated, they will retain their heat because of this boring topic called R factors.
Straw bales typically have an R-value range of 2.38 per inch to R 0.94 per inch. This range is comparable to the R-value of stone wool or fiberglass. Although it is slightly lower than cellulose, straw bales' R-value can be increased depending on how tightly packed the bale is.
What are the insulation properties of straw bales?
Straw bales have excellent insulation properties - among the most cost-effective thermal insulation available. A typical straw bale wall has an R-value greater than 7. Straw has a similar insulation value to fiberglass batts for the equivalent thickness and is much cheaper.
That's pretty good compared with conventional 2 x 6 stud wall construction that has an R-value around R-21. It is technically boring stuff, but it is important when you pay the heating bills.
Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.
These straw bales and similar structures have been around since the beginning of time.
They keep us humans safe and out of the elements of freezing rains and cold weather, as well as predators with large teeth and appetites.
The materials change or adapt from cob, which is clay, sand, and straw, to dirt, and yes, Dung, to lime stucco and many other outer skins for waterproofing.
It’s very similar to Wattle and Daub.
We even explained what Wattle and Doub in a video a few years ago.
If you're curious about what other additives can be used, • What can be added to s... Skip to 15:25 and watch 15 seconds of alternative materials, it's quite imaginative and fascinating.
To view the lime or plastic cement used.
Click here, • Stucco Concrete Blocks... , and skip to 6:38 and watch 30 seconds.
Lime or plastic cement is breathable, and it applies or spreads well.
Straw Bales should not get rained on or be moldy when purchased. This is just common sense.
A breathable stucco is preferred. Let’s air in and out.
I’ve seen guys way back in the day hydrating the exterior walls like they were made of stone; this is not advisable; misting the exterior with just a quick spray of water to create a solid mechanical bond is all that is needed.
Excessive soaking or hydrating the exterior straw can trap moisture, which can cause molding.
When building straw bale walls, one can get caught with their pants down, meaning the dreaded rain or a chance of rain, so tarping the entire structure might be necessary.
It's best to start in spring, where there's little to no chance of rain.
Rain to straw bales is like kryptonite to Superman; it’s not good.
Stray bale homes can't burn as once covered, there is "No oxygen" for a fire to get or remain started; one just needs to watch the old movie, "Backdraft," directed by "Ron Howard" in 1991, with Kurt Russel and Robert DeNiro to understand this concept.
And no, rodents such as mice, or rats, can't live in it as the straw used can't be used as food.
Actually, mice can live in it, as they can live in anything with holes, such as straw, caves, wood, or even steel structures.
FYI, Kemset Ekoplast 50 is a Lye free plaster;
The phone for sales of Kemset products is 562-285-2790.

[@hankgs]

I don't know how the hell your body has held up 40+ years of this kind of work- Superhuman!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Morning Hank, LOL, certainly you've heard the phrase, use it or lose it. This applies to physical strength as well as once mental awareness, which is far from superhuman. My dad used to say this all the time: I’m just repeating a lesson learned to my grown-up kids constantly, as it’s a habit.

[@chipusas1161]

Love the positive attitude...always a pleasure to learn from the master. A man who loves his trade.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy, my friend, thank you. It’s easy to stay positive; the beautiful thing is, we’d all rather apply stucco to Straw-Bales homes than regular walls as it’s intriguing, kinda like a paid vacation; this type of plastering perfects our skills so much and increases our strength levels that we should be paying the homeowners for the pleasure of getting paid while getting an excellent workout. Carl and Dan love this kind of stucco work. Jay and I enjoy it also. This is why I drove the two hours each way to Sonora, to play in the snow. To some, it may seem strange, but I'd rather apply stucco to Straw-Bales than snowboard any day. And I love snowboarding, not as much as Carl and Dan, but close to it.

[@jmuench420]

I didn't know straw houses were a thing. I have a new appreciation for the 3 little piggies.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening and correctomudo, little warm piggy at that. No wolf will try and blow their Straw-Bale home down. That would be futile.

[@StrongBadger]

This is one of the most charming, informative, and enjoyable videos I've ever seen--watched the whole thing even though there is about a zero percent chance I will ever have to stucco a straw-bale house in my life. What a great insight into the work of some incredible craftspeople.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Badger Dude, with that comment, it makes you our newest and bestest pal. Such a powerful and beautiful thing to put into words; you have the wisdom of a poet. Thank you from all of us.

[@GreenLittleRobot]

I was today years old when I learned you can make houses out of straw bales and stucco it. I figured only little piggies live in straw houses. 😂

[@nicholasthibeault1729]

Don't think a huff and a puff would blow that house down.

[@Sixta16]

@@nicholasthibeault1729 Little piggies and crazy americans... We use brick and mortar here. No cardboard or wood.

[@SuperBaIIz]

It has a complete timber frame. Straw bale only fills the role of structural substrate for the stucco and insulation

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning and correctomudo, little warm piggy at that. No wolf will try and blow their Straw-Bale home down. That would be futile. Unlike the castles in Europe, like in the HBO special “Game of Thrones,” you can have a fire going on permanently, but those rock castles will remain cold year-round. Now take these Straw-Bale homes; once heated, they will retain their heat because of this boring topic called R factors. Straw bales typically have an R-value range of 2.38 per inch to R 0.94 per inch. This range is comparable to the R-value of stone wool or fiberglass. Although it is slightly lower than cellulose, straw bales' R-value can be increased depending on how tightly packed the bale is. What are the insulation properties of straw bales? Straw bales have excellent insulation properties - among the most cost-effective thermal insulation available. A typical straw bale wall has an R-value greater than 7. Straw has a similar insulation value to fiberglass batts for the equivalent thickness and is much cheaper. That's pretty good compared with conventional 2 x 6 stud wall construction that has an R-value around R-21. It is technically boring stuff, but it is important when you pay the heating bills. Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.

[@StuccoPlastering]

All can use what they please, were not suggesting folks do what these folks did. However with brick and mortar homes, you can have a fire going on permanently, but those brick homes like rock castles will remain cold year-round. Now take these Straw-Bale homes; once heated, they will retain their heat because of this boring topic called R factors. Besides brick homes are outlawed in our area because of earthquakes, the ground moves the bricks separate like a rickety screen door in a hurricane.

[@traillesstravelled7901]

Love hearing an old tradesman talking and working. I've done a few stucco patches, so watching true pros doing, possibly the hardest build up is awesome. Always learn something from these videos 👍.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Cool beans, Daddieo, it's our pleasure. You can depend on us for sound advice.

[@Irvin_Wright]

Another great video! I'm in Modesto with a stucco house that needs work. Glad your kids are in my area.

[@StuccoPlastering]

God evening, Carl and Dan's emails are in the description, cheers.

[@nathanielb6455]

Mad respect. First time Ive seen a strawbale wall. Learned something new today.

[@StuccoPlastering]

These straw bales and similar structures have been around since the beginning of time. They keep us humans safe and out of the elements of freezing rains and cold weather, as well as predators with large teeth and appetites and have been built since the beginning of time. The materials change or adapt from cob, which is clay, sand, and straw, to dirt, and yes, Dung, to lime stucco and many other outer skins for waterproofing. It’s very similar to Wattle and Daub We even explained what Wattle and Doub in a video a few years ago.

[@jeremygordon4483]

Kirk you are a true American craftsman. They don’t make them like you anymore, thank you for humbling me yet again.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you Jeremy, thank you, we just show how we do things. Folks can depend on us for accurate advice.

[@formdoggie5]

Just want to say I haven't built a house in over 10 years, and never (really) did stucco -- still watch all your videos just for the knowledge. Appreciate it greatly. Keep doing what you're doing til you can't.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning, they do say knowledge is power. Thanks for the positive comment.

[@nicoleforero-trautman9542]

I'm a female project manager studying for my architecture license exams, and I cannot tell you how appreciative I am of your videos. I'm binge watching! It's so good to learn from an experienced individual from your generation. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love your sense of humor. Very enjoyable to watch! What a wonderful family you have.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning, Nicole, you are welcome. You and others can depend on us for sound work and or advice.

[@nicoleforero-trautman9542]

@@StuccoPlastering I’m in So Cal, I’ll keep you guys in mind for sure!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@nicoleforero-trautman9542 Hi Nicole, sorry So Cal is much too far for us, but thanks for keeping up in mind.

[@Okanagan_modeler]

Love your long videos...never heard of a straw house before!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

You're not alone, most folks have no idea there are other methods of building homes.

[@speedokoterefinishnetwork4937]

I'm a auto body guy, and I LOVE THESE VIDEOS MAN 😊

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy my friend, thank you, and happy to be of service. cheers

[@speedokoterefinishnetwork4937]

@@StuccoPlastering thanks!!

[@peep39]

This is astounding. I had no idea this was even a thing

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Peep dude, yep, it's been around for thousands of years.

[@gibsonlp1866]

Hollywood is slacking...this guy should be in big movies...such an excellent personality and attitude...love this channel...thank you🙋🏻🙋🏻🙋🏻

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening Gibson, man, I like your style, thank you. 🕵🏼

[@BigDogRidgeback]

ONE HECK OF A HAWK AND TROWEL MAN! You have my respect sir!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you, it saves me time. Plus it doesn’t require much more strength.

[@9and7]

This will get 1,000,000 views. Another great vid. Thank You KGP!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Wow, thanks!

[@Slovenlyone]

Your knowledge of the craft is amazing. You wouldn’t think that stucco is so technical.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Stucco over wood hoses is It's actually easy to understand, but there are so many different methods for many substrates makes it seem technical. Straw-bales, Concrete blocks, bricks, wood walls, it's endless, but if you can do one they are all similarly done.

[@craigcharlestone]

Amazing! The total commitment displayed here was inspiring.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ranchohieloyfuego]

Kirk is like the stucco super hero. I’m a builder and love your insight. Happy new year to u and fam chief.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Hello Ruben, thank you, is like the hippo, kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5myq5R-ZayVe8k/

[@travisk5589]

I just started watching the video. I cant wait to see how the boxes end up after 9 inches of mud. I also think of some salesmen at costco trying to sell knives when i hear Kirk with the mic on . ;)

[@Kushert]

It's about flush along the box. It's 9 inches towards the bottom below the box

[@xCoolBreezex]

Have a prosperous new year giordanos Kirk really appreciate your continued efforts to share knowledge earned through toiling half a century building the craft

[@StuccoPlastering]

Cool beans Daddieo, thank you, and happy new year to you and yours.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you Cool breeze, we have been in this trade awlie, I still enjoy applying it, Keep me alive and aways from the tombstones. All folks should have a labor of love in which they get pleasure from. So says Napoleon Hill, I agree with this mentor.

[@MikeGillett58]

Always love to watch you work, grew up in the Valley, but spent most my time in the foothills and mountains around were you did this show. Best county fair in the country right there!

[@StuccoPlastering]

I agree, we had a ranch there for ten years, I know the fairgrounds next to the old train. Always a warm and fun fair.

[@jimjordan5630]

I always enjoy your videos, and the information that you share, even though I'm not a stucco or plaster person. There's something about it and watching a Master that is southing! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Jim, man, I like your style, thank you.

[@jimjordan5630]

@@StuccoPlastering As I like yours as well! A hard working man working for his family and doesn't mind it! A true artist in his craft!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Happy new year Jim, here's one that is very similar. we applied 5 to 7 inches to round off square blocks, kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqiWZYmCjqt2Z7s/ Cheers.

[@Stuccomandan]

I love the video dad! Thanks for coming up and helping us! ❤

[@StuccoPlastering]

Hey Dan, thanks for the invite, I had fun, but you guys were already kicking ass and didn't need me. However, at this time, I'm privileged to be a better spokesman for our trade. You guys are getting paid to work out, you boys must have had a good teacher. Love you guys.

[@user-jx8dq8py2b]

Hi. I have been watching your videos for a few weeks. Congratulations for your family, your professional job. Happy new year.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you.

[@danielparsons5519]

Bad A**! I've always wanted to learn about strawbale methods. Way to go fellas. Glad you're mixing it up down there in Cali! "Kirks the Best!" You sure are. I love how you integrate your Kids to follow the Art and love of the craft. My Father who is a top 5 wildlife artist in South Dakota watched me plaster once. I was an ok artist but not like him, never. But his house was 100 or more years old and I rebuilt his basement with just good old lath and mud, and 20+ years experience. He loved that the creativity and art still come through. Keep teaching brother. Live long and Plassster!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

I’m really not teaching but talking out loud while I’m being paid to workout. The old “Kirk the best” line, I’ve read that before on the girls looker room wall. Now, years later, I’m sorry I wrote it.

[@reyhdez5244]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Kirk to all God bless you and yours

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thanks, you too!

[@JasonMohammed]

In all these videos I don't I've ever seen a straw bale stucco house. Thanks for sharing!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Hello Jason, you're welcome, this is one of the reasons I offered to drive up to Sonaro, I have done this before but my sons were not yet born, It gave me the opportunity to play and share some simple facts, plus and much more importantly a chance to get together with my sons.

[@ernestogonzalez17]

I’ve never seen stucco over straw until now , it looks great btw , I always learn something new watching your videos .

[@als1023]

Same

[@feeblewrk5788]

Blew my mind. But Kirk is the man

[@StuccoPlastering]

Earnest and the rest of you guys are too kind, thank you.

[@ernestogonzalez17]

@@StuccoPlasteringyou’re welcome my friend

[@jeffhopper3526]

Always enjoy the Kirk G family at work. My buddy built and plastered his own straw bail house about 30 years ago. Still lives in it. A little window AC and small heater does all his HVAC. It's about the size of a decent one bedroom apartment. I sent him a link to this video.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Jeff, cool beans my friend. These inexpensive homes do keep a home warm.

[@myemail3829]

Love your videos kirk. Watch several through the years

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you my friend, you and others can depend on us for sound advice.

[@dannymuir5344]

every thing you say is spot on.47 years doing tile.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Danny, thank you, folks around the world can depend on us for sound advice.

[@rainmaker3700]

Kirk you are a beast, that is a workout!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Rainmaker, not really, that didn't even make me sweat, but then again, I don't sweat in 100 degree weather either. I think I'm broken.

[@argonthesad]

This was just the video I was looking for to help me finish my straw house

[@StuccoPlastering]

LOL, we dreamt about you needing answers, ask, and ye shall receive, Cheers brother.

[@als1023]

Happy New Year to all the professor's students and fans !! This is my 1st look at a straw house, ,, amazing really . Many of the very expensive homes up in Canada, built in the early 1900's have that uneven character stucco on the walls. Some folks cover it with 1/4 " drywall to try to flatten the walls out. It's not that great a finish, but that's just my opinion. I have really enjoyed straightening some of those untouched walls to make them true and plum and look good. Some of the most satisfying work for a finisher like me. Learned a lot on this channel ,,,,

[@StuccoPlastering]

Hello, my friend, thank you, you might be under 35? Most young fellas like walls true and plumb as we're conditioned that's kinda like true wealth. Where in the UK they go for old-world charm or distinguished walls with character. I used to be one who liked perfection in my younger days also, no crime there. Today I lean towards the old-world charm. For example, if you see a hundred years old trees with beautiful super thick green lush moss covering them, do you see the beauty in that, or do you want to pressure wash off that moss? Things that make you go hmmmm.

[@Takeithome345]

Awesome stuff ! Luv your videos !

[@StuccoPlastering]

Glad you like them!

[@troycantrell1549]

Great video,you do such a good job.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you so much!

[@ValyArdeleanu]

Happy New Year to you and Family!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you, happy new year!

[@jonviall5566]

You guys are AWESOME

[@StuccoPlastering]

You are too kind, thank you.

[@Kushert]

Kirk....Great job!

[@StuccoPlastering]

thank you.

[@marystevenson8461]

Inspirational and informative!

[@joeygeronimo2]

Happy new year kirk

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you, happy new year!

[@troycantrell1549]

Ive built like 10 of those straw bale houses,love the thick walls

[@StuccoPlastering]

No doubt you have tons of tips for those that want to build with Straw Bales. Feel free to explain some of the more important tips as folks want to know.

[@tomproctor.archive]

Kirk! Love ya man! You are tireless and always have a great attitude. Never seen straw bale stucco. Sound dropped out for a few seconds at 03:51 for me at least, just fyi.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thanks 👍

[@ramseydieter]

Good to see you brother

[@StuccoPlastering]

You too, brother.

[@n164bj]

Cool house! My wife and I finished stuccoing a Perfect Block ICF house the end of August. Thank you for you training!! Stuccoed both inside and out. Learned a lot , yep put in on and stop playing with it. Or it cracks or sounds like the cow on a flat rock😮! Hydrate but not to much or the cow comes back😅. On the outside I used the $60 Amazon 4 hole sprayer. Seemed faster. The mixer ( wife) wasn't super consistent but like you said work with it and pick out the rocks too. No stucco yard in Elko Nv but snad and gravel yard close, so I picked lots of rocks at times and always thought of you. Just pick out the rocks! It isn't perfect but good enough for who it's for/ looks good from your house😊 I've done sheetrock on 3 houses and poured quite a bit of concrete but never stucco. Just couldn't figure out how stucco stayed on the wall? Like pouring a slab vertically. But thanks to you we did it and it wasn't to bad. Really appreciate your time spent making these videos. If I knew you would work for a pizza I would and kept you well feed😊 Keep up the story's it's fun to hear. Bill

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Bill as long as it goma veggie with extra cheese. I used the old 4 hole sprayer to stucco this mountain. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoLdgKFmfd6pY5Y/ After awhile we were just taking the mud out of the wheelbarrow with the shovel and throwing it on the mountain and using the trowel to put it where needed. The old improvising trick.

[@stephenheys6851]

Happy New Year& keep on trowel-en

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening Stephenhey, thank you, happy new year to you and yours also.

[@Joe-jv5mm]

Happy New year Kirk and Giordano Family, May 2024 bring you lot's of work, working for 🍕 won't Pay the Tax man😜🖖

[@StuccoPlastering]

Morning Joe, we'll always be paying the tax, man, let's face it, if they could, they'd tax our dreams with a higher interest rate even for the nightmares. But working with my sons, Carl and Dan, on their jobs is beyond measurement in dough. Kinda makes the world seem alright again.

[@terrasinn]

Outstanding 😮

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you.

[@cipher2]

Happy new year to the entire G-Fam!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Happy new year!!

[@harrytinker2328]

Interesting project!

[@StuccoPlastering]

It is and fun too.

[@johnhelm6231]

Good job keep it up.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you.

[@binershock]

Don't ever turn the mic down Kirk. Always love to learn from you.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you Shock dude, that wasn't intentional, but worse things have happened. Were tradesmen first and get by with the filming stuff.

[@dans9228]

Amazing, thank you very much!

[@StuccoPlastering]

You're very welcome!

[@Deutschtown]

Always inspiring and entertaining. ( Earthship owner in Taos)

[@StuccoPlastering]

Your spoiling us, keep it up. Cheers

[@formdoggie5]

On your thicker buildups, have you ever thought of laying some additional chicken wire/fiberglass net/mesh just to provide some more grip? Seems like every 6in of depth or so, layering an additional wafer worth of grip material would solve a lot of potential drop/crack risk due to how much mass you have setting.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Exactly, you're on the ball, on some of the thicker build ups where the stucco dropped out I would place some extra stucco netting in that area to help hold the extra buildup in place.

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Excellente, mi amigo

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you,

[@fg146]

Does the stucco create enough heat while curing to keep it from freezing or do you have to run space heaters after your done?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy, stucco will set even underwater, once it is cured. Thus no heaters would be necessary. In a perfect would, it would be nice to apply stucco in 75 degrees, but often few have this luxury.

[@avisitorhere]

Hello Kirk, real question this time. Since the exterior was done previously, should the interior "match" the vapor permeability characteristics of the exterior plaster? Ie. if the exterior is cement, use cement on the inside. If its lime outside, use lime inside? And I've never heard you mention this in a video (at least the ones I've watched) but you should talk about how humidity moves in both directions thru a vapor permeable wall from high to low pressure seasonally. I think ideally they would have gone with lime on both sides of the wall on this project, but they came onto a project that was already half done. I would think hay would act like a solid stone wall. Without a gap for water vapor to "die" in and drain away, cement is not ideal.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning, Visitor Dude. That’s an excellent question. Let me explain further. In the video below, we are doing something very similar and using the same material. It is what's called a lime or plastic cement, both lime and plastic mean the same thing. Naturally, I don’t expect anyone to watch another long video so, click on, kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqiWZYmCjqt2Z7s/ and skip to 6:38 and watch 30 seconds. That simple explanation, along with visuals, may answer your question quickly. Keep in mind that application is 30 percent applications while material knowledge is 70 percent. Who came up with this theory? I did, as I’m morally responsible for whatever I have done or will do. We believe that when one is responsible for one’s actions, this is the beginning of true wisdom in any trade or in life in general. Oaky, the outside was completed by the homeowners about 20 years ago. So I was told by my sons Carl and Dan. They informed me it was done with plastic cement and that they would use plastic cement inside. I said, you boys have learned well. Lime or plastic is breathable, and it applies or spreads well. Could the owner have used any of the other 20 materials I’m aware of, such as Kemset’s Ekoplast-50, which is lye-free plaster engineered for inside or outside? Sold mainly in Europe, of course, they could have. However, it would have had to be ordered from Los Angeles. The owner, Hickman, is my pal. Or they could have used Eco-friendly lime stucco, “Diasen,” which is also pure hydraulic lime plaster consisting of lime plaster, cork, and Diatomaceous earth ar “DE” for short. Which, BTW, would have had to be shipped from Italy. Or could they buy silos of now Sika’s 690 BMI stucco with fibers which I mentioned in this video? Is it mixed with hydrated lime at the time of use? They called; however, it’s not supplied in their area. I mention just a few alternatives, which most professional plasterers may even know as an example. Often, one is better off using material with a long history of success or integrity as being more than capable. To answer your question, Carl and Dan are spreading Quikrete’s lime plaster, which most would eventually have come to realize is the best stucco for their needs. You asked my opinion. Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.

[@avisitorhere]

So they did match the inside to the outside, that's kinda what I thought. Also, Plastic cement is going to confuse people outside of the trades (like me). By "Plastic" they mean Platiciser which is an ingredient that helps spreadability. Lime is naturally spreadable, so the two are synonymous with one another @@StuccoPlastering

[@paulhamilton7092]

Thanks Kirk for your videos and being so humble. Would like to work with you sometime.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you, it's always a pleasure when help is there, I drove a couple hours from Oakland to Sonora to help my sons with this one measly home. They still have many days left, maybe many months depending on if the homeowners want them to redo some of the exterior walls or apply a color coat maintenance free finish inside.

[@johnnyperucca1434]

Hey Kirk how are you? Do you use a vapor barrier on the outside exterior side and also does the inside have any kind of odor from using straw?

[@StuccoPlastering]

No barriers are needed when stuccoed properly.

[@greenman4508]

I’ve always seen them pre coated in mortar before they were stacked. I’d love to see how to mix horsehair into paster. Thanks kirk

[@StuccoPlastering]

I think you're referring to styrofoam reinforced polystyrene. This video explains what can and has been added to stucco for centuries, including human hair, blood and even whiskey, ask me, that's a waste of good liquor. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4LMfIx-lMuokJI/

[@SamSam-ih6nt]

Amazing

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Artistry.of.earthen.arts.]

Hello Kirk, have you ever done lime plaster over adobe? I give Big credit to you and you're family in my journey of plastering, love the big trowel, i have a 20" marshall town from an 18" going to try the kong trowel soon. Love the video's.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Artistry, man, I’ve stuccoed over every wall, like my boy Johnny Cash, kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWOQiaqEbZWNhdE/

[@alaskansummertime]

I started following your channel as I'm planning to build an off grid house in Alaska. No building codes so i can do whatever i want. I've looked at this but I'm curious why it isn't used more. It must have some sort of weakness to it but I can't see it. Cheap, insulative and easy to build.

[@Hrmn8tor]

That doesn’t look like easy work to me!

[@Ranchohieloyfuego]

Alaska might be to wet for straw bale. U might be better off stick framing. Only reason it’s not used more is because code is a slow moving force. But it is seen now more than ever.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Go for it!

[@brooklynboi11207]

Learn something new everyday.. What about electrical fires in the walls?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Can't happen as they are sealed with stucco, thus fire needs oxygen to start and stay lit.

[@marksarah1632]

Thank you!

[@StuccoPlastering]

You're welcome!

[@JeanClaudVanDabb]

Kirk , great channel very informative . - I was just curious is that just stick framed or is it post frame .?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Timber, from what I understand.

[@williamschuman4951]

Very interesting

[@StuccoPlastering]

Indeed, and a lot of fun to apply.

[@jacobhillanbrand7988]

Do you have to worry about mold with straw? Just curious. I would think think yes. Thanks Kurk

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Jacob, excellent question. The Straw Bales should not get rained on or be moldy when purchased. This is just common sense. Once covered, a breathable stucco is preferred. Let’s air in and out. I’ve seen guys way back in the day hydrating the exterior walls like they were made of stone; this is not advisable; misting the exterior with just a quick spray of water to create a solid mechanical bond is necessary. Excessive soaking or hydrating the exterior straw can trap moisture, which can cause molding, so again, just a bit of water is required for proper bonding. When building with straw bale walls, one can get caught with their pants down, meaning the dreaded rain or a chance of rain, so tarping the entire structure might be necessary. Way to much work. It's best to start in spring, where there's little to no chance of rain. Rain to straw bales is like kryptonite to Superman; it’s not good.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Fire!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Chief, Staw Bale's homes are fireproof. Fire needs oxygen to burn. For example, if one broke a large hole and poured gasoline in, it would simply smolder, and then go out as the stucco would not allow the necessary airflow.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

@@StuccoPlastering learn something new every day.

[@adobeearthship1895]

Hey Kirk, Why do you not use paper over the wood imbedded in the straw wall?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good question, It's not necessary. This is lime stucco, thus breathable.

[@big12ref2]

Ive never heard of plastering over straw bales. Is it supposed to be the framing or the insulation?

[@ricosrealm]

looks like both! labor costs are expensive in Cali, so I suppose this is cheaper to construct?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Exactly, it's cheaper, but does incur cost for plastering.

[@drumtwo4seven]

NO GLORY IN BEING THE BEST GUY EXCEPT YOU WORK YOUR BUTT OFF SO TRUE !

[@StuccoPlastering]

Exzackory.

[@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas]

WOW. THANK YOU1

[@StuccoPlastering]

Our pleasure.

[@johndemeen5575]

What happens when mice get in the bales?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Excellent question, they would have a nice warm safe haven, but still would need food to live, as this stuff is not edible for mice rats and other rodents. These straw bale walls have not been plastered over for at least 20-years, but still no sign of mice or rats in them.

[@marksarah1632]

What do you recommend for inside shower if It already has a Struco lite base coat? Thanks

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Mark, I hate to say this, but it is the truth. Stay away from all types of plasters in a shower. This includes all Structo-lite, and all the Veneer-based or lime-based pretty finished and deep rich pretty colored pure lime finished plasters. Even if your shower has an advanced exhaust system, I don't recommend any plastering systems in the shower itself. And yes, I have plastered at least 4 in 40 years, all molded and these were my own. And yes we have many videos on applying Eco and other pure lime finishes online in showers. Not anymore. In all those videos you will find this comment. Although I don't anymore, you can apply lime-based plaster as even these lime plasters mold fast and must be sealed every 6 months; who has time for this nonsense? Either tile or attach the plastic shower sheets. Hell, even the caulking and grouts will mold in time, aging. Don’t apply any limes in a shower. You can use lime or veneer-based plasters for all other areas, but leave the shower alone or face mold in the future. You will, like me, still have to re-caulk every few years, but your walls won't mold within a few months like every plaster known to man will.

[@marksarah1632]

Thank you

[@bigdaddy7670]

I have never seen a straw house or knew that it existed, except for the three little pigs' straw house and you know what happened there. What a challenge Kirk, the worst wall ended up looking great, I like the rough look, it has character. How long did it take to finish this job?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy, that depends on the homeowners. As the inside plastering is just getting started. There are a lot of walls up there that we did not show.

[@ljones396]

Just wondering with a natural product such as straw bale, would lime not be preferable in this scenario? Why S&C? Cheers

[@StuccoPlastering]

Lime was used, it's called Plastic cement here. In the UK they do sell real lime plaster, we use what is sold here.

[@marksarah1632]

What do you recommend for inside shower?

[@StuccoPlastering]

A waterproof membrane such as "Ice and water shield" by Grace. Then metal mesh, grout or stucco and lastly tile. This is permanent.

[@tristanbaldauf3770]

Do you have any tips for working with pure lime plaster?

[@Artistry.of.earthen.arts.]

Canelo project is a good one to see.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Many, type it into our channel.

[@nathanielb6455]

Probably a really good soundproofer too. Whats the cost variance on this?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Straw Bale walls do indeed keep the sound to a minimum. Cost varies too much to explain here.

[@liamdarcy5875]

Can you apply that material with a spraying machine?

[@StuccoPlastering]

All stuccos can be shot on, so yes.

[@JoeWayne84]

Have plastered pools my whole life you got yourself a hawk there man hahaha. I don’t plaster the inside of the pool but the raised areas that get mosaic tiles installed so I build out plumb and screed flat fast as it drying then give it a smooth sponge finish a lot of times to give it a profile to bond the tile. have me a laborer with a shovel feeding my hawk once I get where I working I ain’t moving haha I let a laborer feed me the mud . Never have seen hay bails plastered and used as walls do you drive rods through the bails from the top ? What you use to attach the chicken wire to the hay? Now the outside you need to waterproof it right??

[@StuccoPlastering]

The homeowner did the exterior about 20 years ago, usually the bales just sit on each other, the stucco netting is then fastened or pushed into the Straw using 6-inch u-shaped metal clips. They used a lime stucco on the exterior it can be left as is breathable or painted.

[@stephendintino6076]

Number 1!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you, my friend.

[@HamguyBacon]

If i were to do it, i would make a grid of 1"x 2" wood and screw chicken wire to it on both sides to make a level and true wall and stucco over that, you could fill the gaps behind it with more loose straw.

[@user-ym2us1dh6b]

How do you attach the wire mesh to the straw?

[@StuccoPlastering]

With metal U-shaped clips that are 6-inch long. Often they need to be hammered in when your hands start to hurt.

[@alexjohnson1612]

My dad mentioned they mixed straw in with the render back in in the day for extra insulation.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Alex, there are lots of things that people have added such as blood, human and horsehair and many, many other things for centuries, we explain some of the things added for strength in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4LMfIx-lMuokJI/

[@danbartstow9829]

Deck mud….Fat mud is for walls…I would love to be floating those walls being I’m a tile man with 40 years under my belt! Been floating walls and ceilings since 1982…

[@mlfman]

Worlds Most flammable house

[@StuccoPlastering]

Au contraire mon frère, quite the opposite, Staw Bale's homes are fireproof. Fire needs oxygen to burn. For example, if one broke a large hole and poured gasoline in, it would simply smolder, and then go out as the stucco would not allow the necessary airflow.

[@mlfman]

@@StuccoPlastering I realized this after I googled it.

[@sebausa1]

No vapor barrier is required?

[@StuccoPlastering]

No barriers are needed when stuccoed properly.

[@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv]

"HAY" Kirk Its Great "BALING " The guys out on that day with there work. And getting feed with that beautiful...APIZZA.!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

LOL, they didn't need my help, I offered.

[@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv]

@@StuccoPlastering :-(

[@agabri0]

What’s the R value on those walls? Awesome video

[@brenyboy26]

The limit does not exist

[@Kushert]

Yes 😂

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy, the answer will bore you, but here it is. Straw bales typically have an R-value range of 2.38 per inch to R 0.94 per inch. This range is comparable to the R-value of stone wool or fiberglass. Although it is slightly lower than cellulose, straw bales' R-value can be increased depending on how tightly packed the bale is. What are the insulation properties of straw bales? Straw bales have excellent insulation properties - among the most cost-effective thermal insulation available. A typical straw bale wall has an R-value greater than 7. Straw has a similar insulation value to fiberglass batts for the equivalent thickness and is much cheaper. That's pretty good compared with conventional 2 x 6 stud wall construction that has an R-value around R-21. It is technically boring stuff, but it is important when you pay the heating bills. Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Straw bales typically have an R-value range of 2.38 per inch to R 0.94 per inch. This range is comparable to the R-value of stone wool or fiberglass. Although it is slightly lower than cellulose, straw bales' R-value can be increased depending on how tightly packed the bale is. What are the insulation properties of straw bales? Straw bales have excellent insulation properties - among the most cost-effective thermal insulation available. A typical straw bale wall has an R-value greater than 7. Straw has a similar insulation value to fiberglass batts for the equivalent thickness and is much cheaper. That's pretty good compared with conventional 2 x 6 stud wall construction that has an R-value around R-21. It is technically boring stuff, but it is important when you pay the heating bills. Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.

[@lukevandermark71]

How does it not rot??

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Luke, excellent question. The force keeps it dry. Kidding. The Straw Bales should not get rained on or be moldy when purchased. This is just common sense. Once covered, a breathable stucco is preferred. Let’s air in and out. I’ve seen guys way back in the day hydrating the exterior walls like they were made of stone; this is not advisable; misting the exterior with just a quick spray of water to create a solid mechanical bond is necessary. Excessive soaking or hydrating the exterior straw can trap moisture, which can cause molding, so again, just a bit of water is required for proper bonding. When building with straw bale walls, one can get caught with their pants down, meaning the dreaded rain or a chance of rain, so tarping the entire structure might be necessary. Way to much work. It's best to start in spring, where there's little to no chance of rain. Rain to straw bales is like kryptonite to Superman; it’s not good.

[@stevenelson1974]

35 years i did stucco over lath styofoam - Dryvit block you name it had a heart attack had to give it up

[@StuccoPlastering]

Sorry to hear this my fellow plasterer, but this is why I still apply, for the health benefits. Nothing keeps me in strong health as much as applying stucco.

[@merylpelosi1704]

Why don't you use Gunite for your scratch coat?

[@StuccoPlastering]

There are many stucco's that can be used, the main cement is a lime based stucco, which they provided.

[@Young937phoenix]

I don’t have a straw bale house but I’m interested in building a shop for me to work on my personal automobiles. Gotta be 16ft tall walls. And the farmers around me bale straw so the land I live on will produce straw bales for me to build with.

[@StuccoPlastering]

It sounds like a purposeful plan, you will get a workout out of it too.

[@janettavculek9308]

The big talker never puts in one spot twice.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Sure, we do, but it makes good sense to apply the really deep areas first, giving the dry straw a chance to suck out the moisture in the Lime stucco so it sets quicker. This is done to allow more coats of stucco to be applied without too much worry of drop-outs. Most of the Straw Bale walls were stacked well, but naturally we looked for the most crooked wall for this video. In reality, about 2 to 4 inches is all that is necessary.

[@neilrafferty2097]

Why wasn't the wall built plumb?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Hi Neil, one would have to build only a single-story home, not this two-story home to find out that reasoning. After about 5 hours of stacking these as best as possible, your arms feel like thier going to fall off, thus one begins to throw them on and worry about the stucco afterward. Been there, 40-something years ago, and I was crazy strong at that time. 😉

[@neilrafferty2097]

@@StuccoPlastering You're not doing so bad !! Don't dream of retirement.