One may be inclined to believe that there is a limit to how useful a plant can be. After all, it’s just a plant, right? Well, the humble hemp would surprise anyone who thinks along those lines, and pleasantly so.
Hemp is one of the most versatile materials on the planet. History has seen it used as paper, rope and even in construction. It is believed that the pyramids, wonders of the ancient world that we marvel at even in the 21st century, are built of a biocomposite of hemp and lime; as it petrifies over time, such a compound would have the required flexibility and strength to survive harsh weather conditions for such long durations.
Harking back to the wisdom of the ancients, the modern construction industry has been quick to adopt the benefits of hemp as a construction material. High in material strength and the ability to withstand extreme conditions, hemp is fast becoming one of the choicest substances for engineers and the construction industry. Hempcrete, a biocomposite of hemp and lime, is already bringing in a silent but sure revolution in the industry.
But what is Hempcrete exactly, and how does it solve the problems that conventional construction materials fail to overcome? And exactly what are the structures that can be successfully constructed using hemp? To know the answer to these questions and more, continue below.
A Bit About Hempcrete
As mentioned above, Hempcrete is a biocomposite of hemp hurd or shiv together with lime. The mixture is prepared by combining the above components with suitable quantities of water. The lime acts as a binder that coats the hemp particles and, once it reacts with the water, the lime glues the hemp particles together to provide a high material strength. Any excess moisture is removed from the blend. The resultant residue is Hempcrete.
What differentiates Hempcrete from conventional construction composites is the fact that the binder in Hempcrete does not fill the voids between the hemp particles; it merely coats the particles and makes them stick to each other for a stronger consistency. When you look at the final mixture, Hempcrete has a lot of void space. This makes the material breathable and lightweight.
By altering the proportions of the ingredients, Hempcrete can be produced which has varied structural, thermal and moisture-absorbent capacities. Each variant is suitable for construction of different structural components and insulation.
So now that we know about what Hempcrete is made of, let’s take a look at the many advantages of building with hemp.
Naturally Sourced Material
Hemp is entirely organic and does not involve any synthetic components. As a result, the Hempcrete produced from hemp is naturally sourced and does not require a large amount of energy during production. This makes the material environment-friendly. Compared to Hempcrete, traditional construction materials have a large carbon footprint which is undoubtedly a cause of concern for the planet.
Low Maintenance
Just like the hemp plant, Hempcrete too is a low maintenance product that requires very little caring. Once used, the insulation lasts for a long time and helps to protect the built structure from the elements in an effective way.
Structural Strength
Hempcrete is a considerably dense material when compared to conventional insulating substances. Therefore, the use of Hempcrete helps to reinforce the structural capacity of the constructional framework. Further, it also provides an excellent surface for plaster finishes.
Highly Carbon Absorbent
Hemp is a high carbon absorbent plant, a property which is imparted to Hempcrete. Hempcrete sequesters almost 100 kilograms of carbon for every cubic meter of the material. This is huge when compared to conventional construction materials which themselves contribute towards carbon emission in their manufacturing processes.
Excellent In Handling Moisture
Due to its porous nature, Hempcrete can store a large amount of moisture without causing any damage to the structural integrity of the building. The plant fibers have a large amount of internal surface area which makes for the storage of a significant amount of moisture. The material is also capable of releasing the moisture once the conditions are favorable.
Resistant To Common Hazards
Perhaps the most definitive feature of Hempcrete is its resilience to common problems faced by building materials. Hempcrete is highly flame-resistant; this lends buildings constructed with Hempcrete an inherent fire-proofing that is built into the very walls of the structure. Further, as it uses a lime binder, Hempcrete is extremely resistant to fungus, and also has anti-microbial properties. This means that Hempcrete can resist the formation of mold in even highly humid conditions.
Insulation Properties
As it is antifungal, antimicrobial and moisture absorbent, Hempcrete works great as insulation in both hot and cold climates. Its high resilience to moisture makes the material suitable for use in extremely humid climates where normal insulation materials fail to do the job. Also, Hempcrete has excellent soundproofing properties that make it an ideal candidate for blocking out external noise.
Lightweight
Hempcrete is very lightweight, and hence lends ease and efficiency to the construction process. It can be easily transported even to large heights. This makes it ideal for use in tall constructions, roofs, and lofts as well.
Non-Toxic And Recyclable
Hempcrete is a non-toxic material. Therefore it does not leach any harmful substances into the building structure that can harm the construction or even the inhabitants of the building. Also, being entirely biodegradable the material is recyclable and can be reused without any difficulty.
What Can Be Made With Hemp?
Rather, ask what can’t and the list is bound to be shorter. Hempcrete can be used in a wide range of construction projects ranging from homes and apartments to skyscrapers and departmental stores. The possibilities are virtually endless. Being naturally fire-resistant, moisture-resistant as well as pest resistant makes this material one of the best choices for construction specialists the entire world over.
Original Article: https://hempearth.ca/2019/09/10/building-the-future-with-hempcrete/