Load Bearing DVD

One of the very first questions I tend to get from people is “Should I build load bearing or post and beam?” That’s a decision that really depends a lot on the design of the structure you’re planning, your time line, climate, skills as a carpenter, and more.  The answer I usually give people, no matter what they intend to build in the future, is “Start small.”

The How-To Guide to Building with Straw Bales, Load Bearing is set up in such a way that you can build the actual structure in the DVD as a test run before you embark on a larger structure such as your home. The 2 hour DVD is literally broken down into a day-by-day format showing each step along the way to project completion.

Check out this introductory video!

 

“Andrew, I have been watching the DVD I got from
you over and over again and the clarity and detail are
absolutely great
. I plan to build a load bearing Straw Bale
home and am amazed at the attention to detail in your
production.  It’s as if you’re holding my hand and
guiding me to a healthy, energy saving home
that
will not drain my resources as time goes by. I look
forward to having folks come over for a fun mud party as we
encapsulate the bale walls. Thank you.”

– Alan Bernard
Briarcliff, Arkansas

======================================

“The DVD was very comprehensive and informative.
I feel that I can tackle my straw bale building
project with confidence now!

–B. Ashwell
Kathmandu, Nepal

I guarantee that you won’t find a more comprehensive instructional DVD on load bearing straw bale construction anywhere, period. I’m so confident of this, that I offer a 365 day money back guarantee on your purchase. If you decide, even after owning the DVD for a year, that you could have learned the process better from another production, you can return it for your money back, 100% guaranteed.  There is no risk to you in buying the DVD, but there is lots of potential for success.

Wait!  Before buying our INSTANT DOWNLOAD video, please click here.  **YOU MUST HAVE A DOWNLOAD SPEED OF AT LEAST 2Mbps TO PURCHASE THE INSTANT DOWNLOAD.  Test yours by clicking here** This VIDEO IS A 2 Part File (Approximately 700 MB FILES each).

“The How-To Guide to Building With Straw Bales: LOAD BEARING


 

 

 

 

No Risk-365 DAY Money Back Guarantee!

Here is a breakdown of what is included:

Day 1- Site Evaluation and Foundation/Deck


The first day is all about getting the foundation or decking in place. In the example used in the DVD, I build on a raised floor frame over a pad and pier foundation. You can build your structure on any suitable foundation you like. Of course, this may change the length of time needed to complete the steps included in day 1.

In this chapter you’ll learn:

  • The best location to place the first concrete pier.
  • How to adjust for the frost line.
  • How to level the pier pad, what tools to use and how to get the best results fast!
  • The best way to assess and install your wood for natural crowning.
  • How to set up your posts and your floor joists.
  • The 3,4,5 rule to get your framing perfectly square.
  • The best wood to use for shims.
  • How to set the joists perfectly so you can get a nice layout for the plywood flooring.
  • When you need to use joist hangers and when you don’t.
  • How to install tongue and groove sub decking. Know which side is up and which side is down!

Day 2 – Preparing for the Bale Raising!

With the deck complete, or perhaps concrete slab if you changed things up a little, it’s time to get ready for the bales. There are a few steps to complete before we can bring bales on site, and those steps are the focus of day 2. Keep in mind, if you want to adjust the size of the building at all, that’s fine too. Just make sure you keep track of your changes and stay consistent throughout the build.

In this chapter you’ll learn:

  • How to make toe-ups that fit the bales you will be using.
  • How to use a rebar cutter to make the rebar corner staples.
  • All the details you need to create perfect box beams.
  • How best to prepare for the bales.
  • The method to secure the first course of bales to the toe-ups.
  • The best material to use in the toe-ups.
  • How to keep the job site clean and safe.

 

Day 3 – The Bale Raising!


This chapter is all about raising the bales. This can be a lot of fun, especially when you see the fruits of your labor appearing so quickly before your eyes! One thing to be careful of is that the desire to move so quickly can sometimes lead to mistakes.

In this chapter you’ll learn:

  • How to build and install temporary corner posts to make sure your bale walls stay plumb.
  • The best ways to make window and door bucks.
  • To assess the quality of your bales – learn the 4 things you must check for to get the best bale for the job.
  • Know how to select the best surface of the bale to face into the structure.
  • How to cut and re-tie bales.
  • How to use a baling needle, which is an essential tool for the straw bale builder.
  • The technique you must use to make sure your corners are structurally tied together.
  • The best ways to get your windows set up – how to level the bucks on a potentially uneven surface.
  • How to install the box beam – you’ll quickly find out why it’s essential to build your box beam before you raise the bale walls, not after like so many people do.

“I have been studying straw bale construction for about
a year. Your instructions have been the best I’ve
encountered so far.
You’ve already saved me many
potential headaches.  Thanks.”

– M. Currin
Centreville, VA

 

Wait!  Before buying our INSTANT DOWNLOAD video, please click here.  **YOU MUST HAVE A DOWNLOAD SPEED OF AT LEAST 2Mbps TO PURCHASE THE INSTANT DOWNLOAD.  Test yours by clicking here** This VIDEO IS A 2 Part File (Approximately 700 MB FILES each)

“The How-To Guide to Building With Straw Bales: LOAD BEARING”


 

 

 

 

No Risk-365 DAY Money Back Guarantee!

Day 4 -Preparing for the Roof

With the bale walls and box beams in place it’s time to clean up the walls and get the roof in place. This step is shown in the process as a one day deal.  The fact of the matter is that most systems require you to  leave your walls loaded and compressed for up to a week. Although there is nothing wrong with that, it does add time to your job’s critical path. With the system I show, you can create enough compression in one day to keep the job flowing.

In this chapter you’ll learn:

  • The best ways to clean up the bale walls of loose chaff using a string trimmer. I demonstrate the best techniques to get results fast, to save your back, and to best prepare the walls for plaster.
  • Learn what piece of equipment is best for smaller buildings – less expensive, light, and easier to use above your head.
  • How to get the bales perfectly plumb and level.
  • How to install the proper straps – learn the best strapping to use and how to install it.
  • How to use a Cordstrap® ratchet to compress your bales
  • The best slope/pitch to use for your roof to get proper drainage and prevent water from entering your building.
  • How to build a pony wall to create the correct pitch to your roof. Adjusting the height of the pony wall adjusts the pitch of the roof.
  • How to install the rafters including “barge rafters” or “fly rafters”.

Day 5 – Finishing up the Roof

This chapter takes you through the process of “drying in” your structure. It’s important to get a waterproof roofing membrane on the structure as soon as you can so that you don’t risk getting rained on. It must be Murphy’s Law, but it seems like it always rains when bales are on site. I think you could build in the middle of the desert and still have a rain storm come through just because your bales are left vulnerable! Don’t let that happen. Get your roof on and make it waterproof right away.

In this chapter you’ll learn:

  • The best and safest way to install the fascia boards by yourself.
  • How to install a rake wall above the bale wall and underneath the roof. I teach you how to make the proper cuts so you don’t waste material.
  • How to install the plywood sheathing to the rake wall without wasting material.
  • How to install plywood sheathing on the roof.
  • The best techniques to attach the roofing felt – learn what tool to use to save a ton of time.

 

Day 6 – Doors, Windows, and Wire Mesh

Installing windows and doors is common practice for construction, but I give you a quick overview here anyway. Perhaps most important is the installation of the wire mesh. This is the system that ties the whole structure together and keeps the bales tight in their compressed state.

In this chapter you’ll learn:

  • The best way to attach your window and door bucks to the walls, what order to place the fasteners and the correct placement.
  • The 5 different types of interior and exterior mesh you can use to re-enforce the plaster – I discuss the best mesh to achieve the best lateral sheer protection for your structure.
  • The requirements of the different plastering techniques – which ones require mesh and which ones don’t.
  • How to install J-Metal – give yourself a clean plastering edge and a professional look to the wall.
  • How to stuff holes and gaps in the walls prior to applying the mesh.
  • The best tool to use to tighten and fasten the mesh against the walls.
  • When and how to install plastering lath around windows – do it wrong and you run the risk of cracked plaster.

That brings you right up to the day of plastering. I have not included the plastering in this production as that is an entirely different topic that warrants its own DVD production. There is so much to teach on that subject that I simply cannot fit it on this DVD. If you are interested in plastering, please check out the How-To Guide to Plastering with Natural Hydraulic Lime Plaster.

Bonus Chapter

I’ve also included a bonus chapter in this production that covers several important topics that you’ll need to know about before you can build your own structure.

In the bonus chapter you’ll learn about:

  • The installation of plumbing.
  • The installation of electrical.
  • How to install baseboard trim on bale walls.
  • Working in high rain climates and how to protect against water infiltration.
  • How to create curved niches in your bale walls.
  • How to install cabinets and recessed cabinetry.

“My husband and I watch a portion of your Straw
Bale DVD every week
; going over and over it. Every
time we re-watch a portion, we catch something new, and
are able to ‘tweak’ our own home design a bit more, and have
gotten so many valuable tips and insights. The DVD is worth
twice what we paid for it, easily!
We feel we will really be
prepared when we build, which will be soon!”

– Kate and Michael B.
Atlanta, Georgia

365 Day, No Risk, Money Back Guarantee

I have a very simple promise to make to you. If this DVD is not everything I’ve said it is, or if you’re not satisfied with it for any reason, you can send it back for a full and complete refund.

You’ve got 1 year from the date of purchase to decide if it the DVD was worth your purchase or not.

If you believe you’ve gotten no value from the DVD, you get your money back, no hassles, no questions. Simple as that.

Guaranteed.

Ready to Buy?

Whether you plan to build your own straw bale house, hire a contractor to build one for you, or are just curious about straw bale construction, this DVD will give you all the information you need.

Remember, there is nothing else like it on the market. If you want to see your house built right, you’ll want to buy this DVD. For only $39.99, (Shipping and Handling FREE Globally!) you receive the 2 hours of expert instruction plus the no risk guarantee.

Wait!  Before buying our INSTANT DOWNLOAD video, please click here.  **YOU MUST HAVE A DOWNLOAD SPEED OF AT LEAST 2Mbps TO PURCHASE THE INSTANT DOWNLOAD.  Test yours by clicking here** This VIDEO IS A 2 Part File (Approximately 700 MB FILES each).

“The How-To Guide to Building With Straw Bales: LOAD BEARING


 

 

 

 

No Risk-365 DAY Money Back Guarantee!

And you’ll instantly receive the following Bonuses for Free after checking out!

 


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POST AND BEAM

In a POST AND BEAM system, framing members provide the structural support for a building while the straw is infilled as insulation. This is the most common type of straw bale construction.

For more information CLICK HERE

LOAD BEARING

In a LOAD BEARING structure, the bales themselves are used as the structural framing element of the building. After compressing the bale walls, a roof is installed.

For more information CLICK HERE

FREE Straw Bale E-Course

The 7 Essential Steps to Straw Bale Success Ecourse

Sign up Today!

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Email