In Southeast Ohio, the humidity is relatively high all year round; the maximum monthly average humidity readings exceeded 80% during the ten months of sampling. Precipitation levels, and its effect on moisture accumulation within straw-bale walls, had been a concern to individuals skeptical about the use of straw-bales as a viable building material. Athens County, Ohio, is located within the Appalachian region, a poverty stricken region that desperately requires livable, affordable housing. Throughout this document, it becomes evident that straw-bale construction is in fact, a viable, cost effective and sustainable and safe building method for use in southeast Ohio.
Within the study the moisture content of three Athens County straw-bale homes were recorded during a ten-month period (Dec. 2001–Sept. 2002.) The daily weather data was also recorded on-site and collected from Ohio University’s Scalia Lab. The results were grouped into monthly averages, to compare different areas of the houses to other areas, other houses, and correlate to the weather data. It was discovered that when straw-bale buildings are constructed using the correct and specific techniques, moisture intrusion did not seem to be detrimental to the health of the building, regardless of environmental location.