Hempcrete Vs. Concrete: What is the Difference?
Concrete is the glue that holds together our homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. Neither making, using, or 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 key 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 living inside buildings, concrete can cause various diseases to construction workers. On the other hand, hemp as a raw material is non-toxic and extremely 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 pressboard,
but once it’s dry, it’s extremely strong. With these ingredients mixed, you can press then 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 we 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 in your building with a supporting structure. That can be a wooden frame, a post and beam frame, or a masonry support system. Depending on the thickness of the hempcrete block, 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 only a few benefits to name. 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? It means that such constructions can remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Most of our industrial activities – including construction – add CO2 to the atmosphere. CO2 pollution causes the greenhouse effect, which traps heat, melts ice caps, and rises 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, because 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, its active carbon capturing properties can help reduce pollution.
Final Thoughts
Now that the Farm Bill passed in the United States, we are excited. More than ever, this is the moment for hemp. The wide range of possibilities that we just saw with hemp products is just the tip of the iceberg. With more countries around the world reviewing their laws regarding cannabis, there are thrilling times ahead.
We are looking forward to seeing even more hemp products available to consumers worldwide.
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So, are you convinced about getting
into the hemp industry?
After reading and understanding more about this booming industry, how do you feel? Are you excited as we are? The possibilities with hemp are endless!
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