Insulated Rammed Earth – Canada
Our 2′ (60 cm) thick insulated rammed earth walls keep you cozy in the winter due to their high thermal mass and insulation in the center of the walls. With an r-value of around 33 or greater an insulated rammed earth wall has a 50% higher r-value than a conventional wood frame house. Essentially, we are using a double masonry wall system that is closed over on the ends. This is not a new concept when using concrete, stone or brick, but an adaptation for rammed earth in colder climates.
Currently, all rammed earth builders in Canada are using this method. No one has or can patent an insulated rammed earth wall, however they can choose to trademark a name or patent a forming system, so don’t be fooled by any such claims.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit of this type of wall system which leads to saving money and saving the earth resources. Why build with conventional methods when you can have a superior high performance wall system?
When making a structural rammed earth wall, 4 or 5 inches (10 – 13 cm) of rigid insulation is placed inside the wall and the rammed earth is packed on both sides. The insulation is placed in 2 foot high sections at a time as the wall building process progresses upward.
These are the 3 main types of insulation that are used:
Stone wool is a high-performance, fire-resistant, and acoustic-insulating material made from basalt rock and recycled slag, melting at over 1000°C. It offers excellent thermal resistance (R-value 3.10–4.0 per inch), superior sound absorption, and is water-repellent (hydrophobic) and resistant to rot, mold, and mildew.
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) is a high-performance, closed-cell, rigid foam board insulation widely used in commercial and residential roofing, walls, and specialty applications. It is renowned for its high R-value (typically R-6 to R-7 per inch), durability, and excellent fire resistance. Polyiso is often faced with materials like foil or glass fiber mat to enhance thermal performance, moisture resistance, and stability.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation is a rigid, closed-cell foam board that is highly effective for thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and high compressive strength in construction. it is widely used in roofs, walls, under concrete slabs, and cold storage due to its durability, light weight, and excellent moisture barrier properties.
Insulated rammed earth walls are perfect for the climate of Canada with their strength, durability and heat saving properties. Since the insulation is on the inside; the natural beauty, color and texture of the walls remain for people to enjoy for generations.
