Using Hemp in Construction – Hemp plant or industrial hemp is a versatile natural resource that offers nutritious hemp seeds and oil. But, here we will talk about hempcrete or hemp concrete, an eco-friendly building material that can transform the construction industry.
What Is The Buzz Around Hemp Concrete Today?
Everyone knows that hemp isn’t a new discovery. Hemp farming has been in practice since the early decades of the 20th century. It is one of the earliest cultivated and used plants. Human beings would have hemp for so many uses without using it in their buildings.
However, there is great emphasis on using hemp concrete for construction nowadays.
The reason is too simple to understand. The growing concern around rising carbon emissions stresses the need to prevent the effects of climate change and global warming. Hemp concrete is an organic building material that can segregate carbon and is a renewable source of energy.
This low-impact material allows people to build their humble abode without leaving any ill-effect on the environment. This is why more and more people today are interested in using hemp concrete for building their homes.
Hempcrete- A Great Alternative To Concrete
Hemp concrete is a lightweight, concrete-like material with amazing insulation properties. It has an R-value of around 2 to 2.5/ inch that varies based on the density. Its compressive strength is 1/20 that of concrete.
Due to its low density, hempcrete is resistant to cracking, which makes it a great alternative to other construction materials in earthquake-prone areas. Furthermore, hempcrete is a breathable material, allowing moisture to evaporate, which means no-mold.
The lightweight and non-toxic properties of hempcrete blocks ensure that they are easy to move around a job site. Though hempcrete is growing in popularity, it is still not widely available on the market. Also, hemp concrete is less costly compared to other insulation options. Thus, it will become more affordable when the production volume increases.
More About Hempcrete
Hemp concrete is an incredible preservation capacity. Moreover, buildings made of hemp concrete are suitable for both cold and warm kinds of weather. As it has high breathability, it can store and release warm air.
Thus, it helps the hempcrete building to maintain optimal temperature. Being a toxin-free material, it is resistant to pests, molds, and is highly fire-resistant.
However, the most significant advantage of using hempcrete is that it can transform the construction industry. It adds new dimensions to the notion of building green structures.
The commonly used insulation materials used today are non-renewable and take a toll on the environment’s health. They are also known to cause numerous health hazards. Hemp concrete is a by-product, making it an eco-friendly option.
Hemp is less expensive than other insulation materials. It also increases structural qualities. For example, when it is used in combination with wood, it boosts the strength of wooden pillars and columns.
The best thing is, the energy consumption level of hempcrete is less than that of concrete. From planting hemp, producing hempcrete to constructing a home using hemp concrete insulation, the energy consumption is low. Moreover, pollution effects are also less.
Another great feature of hempcrete is its ability to trap carbon dioxide. Concrete buildings leave a higher carbon footprint than the buildings made from hempcrete. Thus, hempcrete insulation is carbon-free. It reduces the amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.
Other Uses Of Hemp Concrete In Construction
Ropes of different diameters made from hemp are used in joints for installing window frames and doors. These ropes act as good sealing agents and are also used for repairing tunnels, wooden buildings, or bridges.
Read on: What are the best roofing materials for colder climates?
Further, it is also possible to use thick slack-like hemp fiber for water construction. Hemp bioplastic has the potential to replace the harmful conventional plastic in pipe construction.
Farmers use specialized farming equipment depending upon the hemp growing methodology. Transplanter, hemp harvester, combine, etc. are some of the equipment in the hemp farming process.
Conclusion
Hemp concrete is a natural building material that sequesters carbon dioxide and keeps the environment healthy. The lime absorbs carbon emissions, and the hempcrete hardens over time. It makes the hemp concrete building last longer without requiring any expensive repairs.
