One of the processes in home construction that
can affect people with allergies and sensitivities is the paint in
their new homes. We have all experienced the “new paint” smell
in recently finished homes. Most people just accept it; but those that
are hyper-sensitive to chemical smells can be greatly affected and
sickened by them. So, what do we do?
Well, we just don’t use paints! Lone Star Custom Homes will
be using an organic clay plaster on our model home, currently under
construction at The Village of West Clay.
The product of choice is made by American Clay of Albuquerque, NM.
As far as we know, ours will be the first home in the Midwest to use
this product to this extent. All of the home’s interior walls
will be finished with this organic and integral color product.
American Clay Earth Plaster is a practical, environmentally friendly
alternative to cement, gypsum, acrylic, and lime plasters. It is compatible
with the “breathable” construction recommended for both
historic and new buildings.
If you take the time to look closely at the world around you, you
can’t
help but notice how intertwined we are with nature and how it affects
us. We all are familiar with something as simple as the air around
us after a thunderstorm.
Many things in nature hold a negative charge, and Humans living close
to nature are accustomed to being surrounded by a negative charge
in the air, or negative ions. Inside today's homes and offices there
are
computers, electrical appliances, electric cords, LED lighting and
synthetic plastic products (which includes most modern wall coverings
like
latex paint), all of which produce and maintain a positive charge
in the
air.
A
normal ion count in fresh country air is 2,000 to 4,000 negative Ions
per cubic centimeter. At Yosemite Falls, for example, you'll
experience over 100,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. On
the other hand,
in an average home, this count can be well below 600 per cubic
centimeter and in a windowless office, with computers, it can be
zero.
Natural clay maintains an incredibly dense molecular structure and
shape, giving it the capacity to produce a self-generated negative
charge upon hydration. Even the simple evaporation of water from
clay has the capacity to produce negatively changed particles in
the air.
This means that when your walls breathe, or hydrate slightly with
changes in humidity and slowly dry out, your interior space is
being bathed
in negative ions.
Negative ions are proven to produce positive biochemical
reactions in humans. A negative charge in a space acts on our capacity
to absorb and utilize oxygen, causing us to have more energy and
feel
invigorated.
Negative ions also have been proven to increase levels of the
mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve
stress,
and boost our feelings of well being.
Surrounding your interior
environment with clay plasters,
or clay paints, that produce negative ions will not only help
neutralize the electromagnetic effect created by computers,
appliances and
synthetic plastics, but also will help eliminate static charge
on walls. Your
walls stay cleaner and will not attract dust! Also, by having
clay plaster on a wall you are helping to filter air of pollen
and dander.
The negative charge emitted by clay causes particulates in
the air to clump together and literally fall to the floor where they
can
be vacuumed up.
The capacity of clay plaster to "breathe" and release
negative ions is very unique and not found in any other wall
covering on the
market today. Concrete, Gypsum, Marble, Lime, and decorative
acrylic plasters do not release negative ions, breathe with
changes in humidity
or resist dust. American Clay is unique in its ability to literally
alter a space for the benefit of those inhabiting it!
Since the color pigments are naturally occurring they are resistant
to UV fading. Imagine walls that don’t change color over time.
American Clay’s plasters can provide minimal fade over decades,
thereby allowing repairs and changes in art décor without
significant discoloration.
We have all seen the faux stucco look in a lot of houses lately. This
is basically drywall mud that has been generously troweled on and painted
to try to give that “old world” look. Some attempts are
better than others but you still end up will drywall mud and unhealthy
paints!
We are excited about the discovery of American Clay Earth Plaster.
Their original plaster, Loma, provides a surprising range of textures
for interior walls. With a slight change in application technique,
LOMA produces a sophisticated depth reminiscent of suede, whisper-subtle
matte elegance or a rustic organic surface with true tactile appeal.
It softens up boxy rooms and adds a warm depth to our walls. Colors
range from architectural gray to ocean blues to earthy reds and golds,
blending with any style home.
The more we learn about building healthy, high-performance homes,
the more we find to learn! If you have ever had health issues like
allergies,
asthmas, etc, there is a good chance they can be traced right back
to your home. Let us show you how you can escape and breathe easier!
