In case you missed it!

   On September 10th Semmes & Co Builders had our tri-annual Appreciation Party. It was a raging success and we hope you were there. Semmes are very lucky to work with some of the best clients, architects, consultants and trades people on the Central Coast. Thank you! One of the big happenings of the day was Turko's "special" announcement.  

   After 33 years, Turko is passing the company on to three employee owners. If you have worked with Semmes, they are folks you know well -- Paul Rose, Tom Moore, and Jessica Steely.  Ensuring that Semmes & Co Builders will be here well into the future, the three new owners established a process by which more employees will become owners down the road. Semmes will contiue providing high quality service, committed to building today for a better tomorrow, for years to come.

Strawbale Barn Raising by Jessica Steely

Strawbales have been used as building materials for hundreds of years. During the industrial revolution, the development of the mechanized baler allowed for efficient and predictable baling. That combined with refinement of the plaster process allowed for the technique to become very popular for buildings with all types of uses. It has been reported that there are many strawbale structures still standing around the US after nearly 100 years.

Today, bale construction continues to have its draw.  Architecturally, thick wall construction is reminiscent of the old mission style adobe construction. Also the bales make for extremely productive insulation... up to R-40! Here on the Central Coast we use bales made of rice straw.

It is harvested from Northern California where they historically dowsed the harvested fields with diesel fuel to clear them for next year's crop as it is not digestible and is very resistant to its high silica content.

One of the other wonderful elements of bale construction is its simplicity. With minimal training and the right tools, neighbors, friends and family can participate in the raising of the home. The historic tradition of a barn raising comes to mind as communities join together to strengthen their bonds between one another.

Over the past 30 years Semmes & Co. Builders has hosted over 20 strawbale barn raising workshops. The reception has been phenomenal "Like a fine oiled machine, you guys plugged everyone in and got them to work!  Everyone learned something and felt like they contributed to something green.  Thanks for the hospitality as we all had a great time, and it was great to get our hands dirty with the construction." Paul Poirier, AIA, LEED AP, Paul Poirier + Associates Architects.

Semmes & Co looks forward to our next 20 Strawbale barn raising workshops. EMAIL US today to be added to our workshop contact list!

The Importance of Insulation

Insulation and house sealing seem like an over talked about issue, but in the scope of things there is more energy lost because of these two issues than any of the other energy use in a home. There is no point in having a super efficient heat or cooling system if the energy used to provide this comfort level is just allowed to exit the building at a mildly controlled rate.

Nationally it is estimated that 40% of a homes heat loss or gain is through the walls or roof, most of this is by leakage in a well insulated home. Insulation should always be placed in contact with the interior and exterior skin. These skins act as a pressure barrier to stop any air flow, thus allowing the insulation inhibit heat flow at a far greater efficiency. Otherwise it may just be acting as a "filter" for the air moving through it. The greatest amounts of leaks are around utility perforations in these skins (lights, outlets, plumbing etc.). These need careful attention in their detailing so that they do not become draft sources. In some cases (can lights being one) a more expensive fixture will pay for itself if it is a sealed fixture..

There are many types of insulation and sealers that are used in today's market. Some are Cellulose fiber (usually blown in), Fiberglass (either batting or blown in), Foam (blown on, or installed in sheets), Straw Bale, and many more. They all have their qualities and advantages, but they all need to be designed to work together to eliminate air and moisture travel. When considering these applications a knowledgeable person with current building science information should be consulted. These issues have become ever more complex as the number of materials, their applications, and History increase, and will continue to do so.

Semmes & Co. Builders has worked hard over the years to stay ahead of these developments and to provide our employees with the education necessary to continue to do so. We look forward to serving you! - Paul Rose

Semmes Crew Profile: Paul Rose

Get a Jump-start on