Hempcrete Vs. Concrete: What is the Difference?
Concrete is the glue that holds together our homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. Neither making, using, nor disposing of concrete is environmentally friendly. Construction consumes about 40% of the world’s energy and 25% of the global water.
So, the main difference between both materials is that hempcrete is environmentally friendly. There are other critical differences between both, which we will list below.
Breathability and Humidity Regulation
One big difference between hempcrete and concrete is breathability and humidity regulation. While concrete usually struggles with mold, hempcrete can control the amount of water it absorbs. Hemp, as a construction material, is also breathable, avoiding mold.
Concrete Can Be Toxic for Workers
Another big difference between hempcrete and concrete is toxicity. Concrete can have numerous toxic elements, such as cement, calcium oxide, and silica. Although it’s not harmful to people inside buildings, concrete can cause various diseases to construction workers. On the other hand, hemp as a raw material is non-toxic and highly safe for workers.
How to Make Hempcrete?
Hempcrete is made from hemp hurds, water, and a lime binder. The combination to make it is simple. Hempcrete consists of four parts hemp hurd (shredded hemp stalk) with one part water and one part lime binder. It will look and feel similar to a pressboard,
but once it’s dry, it’s extremely strong. With these ingredients mixed, you can press them into a form to build walls or blocks. You can also use it as an insulating material between drywalls. There are many ways hemp products can be used in a building.
Hempcrete Pros and Cons
There are some pros and cons of hempcrete when compared to concrete. As mentioned earlier, the plant-based option offers fewer risks for construction workers. However, dealing with hempcrete may require specialized labor – which can be more expensive.
Hempcrete has a wide range of usability within the construction realm. It can be used as a roof, wall, or slab insulation. Additionally, hempcrete is insect, mold, and fire-resistant.
Can Hempcrete Be Load-Bearing?
No, hempcrete alone cannot be load-bearing. It cannot be used as the foundation of a building. Hempcrete requires wooden frames to support the vertical load because it’s less dense than traditional concrete.
However, you can still use it with a supporting structure in your building. That can be a wooden frame, a post and beam frame, or a masonry support system. Depending on the thickness of the hempcrete blocks, it can self-support up to ten meters high.
Hempcrete As A Green Building Solution
As green building solutions become urgent, hempcrete stands out for its characteristics. Humidity and temperature regulation, insulation, and pest resistance are the only benefits. Building eco-friendly, insulated houses have become a norm. After the
legalization of hemp production, its materials finally got a chance to shine. Hempcrete is no exemption. Professionals all over the world are working towards green building solutions using it. Hemp, as a construction material, is legal in many countries.
Carbon-Negative Building Material
Hempcrete is a carbon-negative building material. What does it mean? Such constructions can remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Most industrial activities – including construction – add CO2 to the atmosphere. CO2 pollution causes the greenhouse effect, which traps heat, melts ice caps, and raises ocean levels. So yes, this is another way hemp helps the environment.
How Can Hempcrete Be Carbon Negative?
But you may ask, how can this building material be carbon negative? Firstly, the hemp plant absorbs an immense amount of CO2 when it’s growing. Secondly, it is carbon-negative because hemp concrete can remove CO2 from the atmosphere. If cities get more hemp-based buildings, their active carbon-capturing properties can help reduce pollution.
Final Thoughts
But you may ask, how can this building material be carbon negative? Firstly, the hemp plant absorbs an immense amount of CO2 when it’s growing. Secondly, it is carbon-negative because hemp concrete can remove CO2 from the atmosphere. If cities get more hemp-based buildings, their active carbon-capturing properties can help reduce pollution.
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