The energy-saving environmental criterion today focuses on using plant-based materials for building. Over the last decade, there has been a tremendous development in the applications of natural fibers for green building. And, hemp concrete is the most promising of all the natural fibers for constructing your energy-efficient, dream house. Not only it has a positive balance in its climate change indicator, but it also a positive health impact. It is the most sustainable way to build houses.

However, if you are still not sure about the credibility of organic hempcrete building materials over the synthetic ones, keep reading! Here, we are going to tell you what makes hempcrete a better choice as compared to the other construction materials.

Hempcrete Is An Eco-Friendly Way To Build Houses

Do you know that houses constructed from other building materials can pose a risk to the atmosphere? Perhaps, you already know how construction industries produce a huge amount of carbon emissions while producing synthetic building materials. It not only depletes the indoor air quality but also adds a lot of contaminants to the environment.

On the other hand, hempcrete is a green, sustainable material with fewer carbon emissions. It is made by combining lime binder, hemp hurd, water to create a slurry that is used walls, roofs, and floors. Not only it is an organic material, but also completely recyclable, water-proof, fire-proof, and pest-resistant. 

Besides, hemp building materials do a wonderful job of regulating the humidity, temperature of your home. Due to its breathable nature, it absorbs a large amount of carbon dioxide. It is so lightweight that it can be considered as an ideal alternative to the traditional building materials.

What Differentiates Hempcrete From Actual Concrete?

One of the most important things that differentiate hempcrete from concrete is its density. Hempcrete is around 15 percent as dense as concrete; thus, the hempcrete blocks float on water. This is why hempcrete must be used with a frame supporting the vertical load, for example, wooden stud framing. 

Further, a significant amount of air trapped in hempcrete makes it a good insulation material. Though it is relatively breathable, an exceptionally great insulator for both heat and noise. 

Cement or concrete limits the ground absorption of precipitation that increases the ambient temperature and stops the growth of the land. Moreover, it emits a lot of carbon in the atmosphere. But, hempcrete absorbs carbon dioxide. As it is a porous material, it can retain carbon dioxide and moisture. 

What’s more, hempcrete is three times more resistant than concrete. This is why hempcrete buildings are earthquake-resistant. This is because it has low density, which keeps it from cracking under the movement. Thus, hempcrete is a better choice over concrete.

Read More: The Best Places To Start When Beginning an Industrial Project

Comparing Hempcrete And Brick

Brick is a unit made of sand, clay-bearing soil, and concrete or lime material. Ranging from common mud bricks, fly ash bricks, engineering bricks, hollow bricks, and more, you can find a variety of bricks for construction. One of the reasons why brick is a popular building material is that it has a uniform size and shape. Besides, it makes the construction process easy and appealing. and the brick cutting process is easier than other materials like stones. Moreover, bricks are fireproof and soundproof, providing a safe environment for your home or workplace. Furthermore, they are incredibly durable and can last for hundreds of years with minimal maintenance. All in all, these factors make brick an ideal building material for any construction project.

But, bricks aren’t mold-resistant. They absorb water, which can cause dampness of the walls and result in mites, insects, and molds.

However, if you use hempcrete bricks, it has so many advantages. They are lightweight yet strong, breathable, and energy-efficient. Also, they are water-resistant, durable, and get even stronger after time, just like a petrified stone.

Other Traditional Building Materials

Besides the building materials mentioned above, there are several additional materials being used for construction. For example, adobe, straw bale, rammed earth, etc.

Adobe is a natural building material used since ancient times. It is a combination of sand, clay, and dirt. But, as compared to hempcrete, adobe doesn’t insulate so well. You may need additional insulation material for the walls made of adobe.

Similarly, the major problems of using straw bale over hempcrete are molds and moisture. The compressed straw might expand if exposed to water. It increases the likelihood of mold. Now that you know what makes hemp a better choice over the other building materials, you must be confident enough to go with hempcrete material for building your dream house.

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