definition
strict definition
straw bales
Bales of straw from grasses such as wheat or rice used as thermal insulation within a building assembly.
Straw bales made from stalks of wheat, rice, oats, rye, or other grasses are occasionally used as a thermal insulating material. They are highly effective as insulation, are inexpensive, and are environmentally sustainable, but are flammable and must be protected from moisture.
The insulating material is the packed grass stalks. Wheat and rice straw are examples, without restricting the definition to those crops.
The bales are used for their insulating function. Loose grain or seed storage has a different purpose, even when it comes from the same crop.
