1. Good hat.
"If water doesn't reach the wall, the wall won't get wet," says Piggy. Wide eves, porches and overhangs keep rain off the walls. "If your walls don't get wet, you won't have to do anything special to waterproof them". With two-story buildings, consider using a porch around the first level.
Caution: avoid conditions which would hold stagnant air next to the building and prevent winds from drying walls after a storm.

2. Good boots.
Keep ground water from getting up into the wall. Raise bales off the ground, and put a waterproof membrane or capillary break (like gravel), between the bales and the foundation.

3. Good coat.
Keep the water out. Use flashing where cracks commonly occur in plasters, such as around windows and doors and above horizontal surfaces and between dissimilar materials. Use good quality plaster, with good materials and careful workmanship. Seal leaks around pipes, electrical outlets and vents, both indoors and out.

4. Let it breathe!
Avoid air and water barriers which will keep the bales from transpiring moisture. Vapor barriers are not necessary and may trap moisture in the bales.

…..then sit back and enjoy the rain!

Skillful Means
P.O. Box 207
Junction City, CA 96048