I have a question about sealing the papercrete on the outside from heavy rain. Thorsen Foundation Sealer followed by an Elastomeric paint was suggested, what do you think?
People have successfully sealed papercrete with sealers or paint, but there is the risk of actually sealing in the moisture so that it can’t escape if it does find a way in. I generally prefer leaving it breathable for this reason. I never had any moisture come through my papercrete/earthbag domes. Q: With the application of concrete with the plaster that is applied to the walls and outer surface of the building, is there any breathability? This is a quality that is normally so wonderful with an adobe structure. A: The earthbags themselves are breathable, as is the fill material, so it depends on what they are plastered with how breathable the wall will be. Earthen plasters and lime plasters are quite breathable; cement stucco is not as breathable, but can be formulated to be somewhat breathable; papercrete is breathable. The question of breathability becomes more of an issue with domes, where the walls/roof must also shed water…
