Question: I can only find second hand (misprinted) woven polypropylene gusseted bags that have a laminated coating on the inside (for flour and other food products). The laminated coating is actually integrated into the bag so you can’t tear it out (almost like a thin, iron on layer). Do you think the laminated coating will be a problem for the curing or greatly affect long term breathability of the walls? Some of the bags have tiny holes in them that I imagine are to allow them to breath a bit. I can track down misprinted non-gusseted bags without the laminated coating if need be but would prefer to find a gusseted option.
Thanks, Brandon
Owen: Don’t use plastic laminated bags that prevent adequate drying of soil and transfer of moisture (“breathability”) through the wall. Your wall may never dry properly. If the liner can be removed (which works for some bags), tear it out before using for earthbag building.
Gusseted bags are preferred if they’re available, but our blog (and my book and videos) show numerous ways to pin the corners out of the way so they don’t protrude and interfere with the plaster work.
Hey great thread. Well it has been seen that plastic bags are often used for lining litter or waste containers or bins. This serves to keep the container sanitary by avoiding container contact with the garbage. Thanks for sharing it. Keep up the good work.
My bags have liners too, but they come out very easily, intact, and then can be used as trash bags. It’s also cool that they actually make turning the bags inside out easier.