Rob Roy's Earthwood Home
(Page 9 of 9)
The Earth Roof
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Most roofs break down primarily because of ultraviolet damage from the sun and from damage by repeated freeze thaw-cycling. With a properly constructed earth roof—with rigid foam insulation on the top side of the membrane—the waterproofing layer is permanently protected from these phenomena.
Working up from the interior, the roofing layers on top of the heavy radial rafter system is as follows: two-by-six tongue and-groove planking, Bituthene 3,000 waterproofing membrane, 4" of extruded polystyrene insulation (such as Styrofoam or U.C. Industries Foamular), a layer of 6mil black polyethylene, 2" of #2 crushed stone, a hay or straw filtration mat, and, finally, 7" to 8" of topsoil, just enough to maintain a living green cover. The black poly is a cheap insurance layer. In combination with the crushed stone, the drainage layer carries water to the edge of the home.
Such a roof is environmentally and ecologically friendly, aesthetically pleasing to virtually everyone, energy efficient (warm in winter, cool in summer), and affords uncommon protection against tornadoes, sound, and radiation. Properly built, it is maintenance free and incredibly long lasting. The only drawback, in my view, is dealing with the constant mowing the-roof jokes. "Get a goat!"
Complete details concerning cordwood construction techniques can be found in the instructional videocassette Basic Cordwood Masonry Techniques: A Video Workshop (88min., $39.95) and Rob's two books, Complete Book of Cordwood Masonry House building: The Earthwood Method (Sterling, 1992), and The Complete Book of Underground Houses: How to Build a Low Cost Home (Sterling, 1994). All are available from MOTHERS Bookshelf (1-800-888-9098) on pages 89-91, along with a variety of other building references and resource books.
Rob Roy is Director of Earthwood Building School, 366 Murtagh Hill Road, West Chazy, NY 12992. The school, founded in 1980, offers instruction and workshops in cordwood masonry and underground housing across the country.
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