Efforts to create a more sustainable society have influenced the way that modern structures are built. Green construction practices are in high demand, with many of these practices offering significant benefits to both contractors and investors.

One of the more interesting green construction practices in use today is straw bale construction. Learn more about this unique construction method to determine if it makes sense to implement it into the construction of your new home.

What is Straw Bale Construction?

To appreciate the innovative approach straw bale construction brings to building a home, you need to learn exactly what this process entails. Straw bale construction utilizes bales of straw to build the exterior walls of a home.

The bales are stacked atop each other to form the desired dimensions, then coated with a concrete product to create solid walls.

Any architectural style can be achieved through straw bale construction. The bales can easily be carved with a knife or chainsaw before the concrete is applied to give you the design features you are looking for.

What are the Benefits of Straw Bale Construction?

Opting to use straw bale construction when building your home can be beneficial in a number of ways. Straw is essentially a waste product. Once edible grains have been removed from harvested plants, the remaining stalks become waste. These stalks are baled and used for straw bale construction.

Putting the straw that would normally be left to rot to good use helps make your construction project more sustainable.

Straw also boasts the ability to insulate your home. The thick bales used to construct exterior walls can act as a buffer between your interior living spaces and outdoor elements. You may find that your monthly utility costs are much lower than you expected when you take advantage of the energy efficiency straw bale construction creates.

Is Straw Bale Construction Safe?

Despite the benefits that straw bale construction can offer, some people view this building method as being unsafe. The truth is that a home built from straw bales can actually be as safe, or even safer, than a traditional home.

One safety feature straw bale construction provides is increased fire resistance. Loose pieces of straw are highly flammable, but the tightly packed bales used in construction can offer up to three times the fire resistance of conventional building materials.

Expert testing also shows that straw bale walls are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of two hours. It's clear to see that straw bale construction is safe and efficient.

For information on straw bales for sale, contact your local contractor.