[Domesteading 00181] Re: Homasote

[Robert Vance]

Chris, This is the first time I have heard of this product but since there is a supplier near me, I will certainly check it out. I will also suspend my doubts about the efficient use of paper slurry.
BobV!
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chris<mailto:bewise at hypertech.net> 
  To: A forum for the discussion of aspects of independent,off-the-grid living<mailto:domesteading at sculptors.com> 
  Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2007 9:11 PM
  Subject: [Domesteading 00178] Homasote


  I'm sure y'all are aware of this Homasote stuff and I'm wondering what your 
  opinion is of it for dome construction...??? (Note: if this has been 
  discussed at some previous time, I'm not remembering. <grin>) I found the 
  following letter very interesting... the stuff seems too good to be true... 
  Also I'm wondering who among us considers self 100% successful in the 
  accomplishment of 'independent off-the-grid living'... I'm lookin' for a 
  tutor <smile> ~Christine

  > Dear Sir:
  > I am one of 56 men who constructed and then lived in the Byrd Expedition
  > buildings (at Little America, Antarctica, for over a year in 1934-35)
  > which were assembled from Homasote lined sections left over from the
  > establishment of the first Little America in 1929. These sections were
  > already the veterans of five years' storage in damp New Zealand
  > warehouses, but were still so strong and easy to saw, fit, and assemble
  > that we were considerably surprised. But when we had dug down to the old
  > camp and found also that the Homasote in the original buildings was in
  > perfect condition after one year of soaking in melted snow (1929-30) and
  > five years under the terrific pressure of 20 feet of ice, we were
  > completely sold. When other wallboards would have pulped, cracked or
  > dissolved, Homasote remained firm and trustworthy insulation against
  > blizzards and temperatures of minus 75!
  > more at http://homasote.com/about.html<http://homasote.com/about.html>