• The hemp home: an ecological solution
  • The hemp home: an ecological solution
  • The hemp home: an ecological solution

La maison en chanvre : une solution écologiqueProduits

Publié le 24 octobre 2022 par AQIC

Do you want to build your next house more sustainably? Cannabis hemp homes have become popular in America thanks to the evolving nature of the marijuana industry.

Hemp is an organic substance used in construction materials. It produces recyclable waste and is a sought-after, greener alternative to conventional concrete-based options.

From the look of things, cannabis is here to stay. Its acceptance in society is increasing, with more industries trying to reap its benefits. As scientists continue to broaden their studies on the herb, the construction field is angling for a cut-throat innovation.

Keep reading to learn about industrial hemp and the pros and cons of cannabis homes. Once your eco-friendly building is complete, keep the green trend going by cultivating weed seeds in your garden.

Hemp is a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC. This negligible amount means it doesn’t store much of the compound that gets you high, but you can cultivate it for food and materials.

Hemp, like medical marijuana, has various reported health benefits. However, the former is ideal if you’re after a sustainable way of making products like textiles, paper, and clothing. It grows faster than most crops with minimal water consumption.

Industrial Hemp Legality In The USA And Its Uses

There are various ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle, from food to fashion considerations. Eco-friendly housing is another trending option many consider in the current age of cannabis-construction integration.

As the herb goes mainstream, its applications are rapidly evolving from recreational and medicinal to more technical aspects.

The 2018 Farm Bill permitted the growth of industrial hemp in America under the regulation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Eligible hemp producers may grow the plant and qualify for crop insurance, farm loans, and conservation programs.

Hemp Fiber

Hemp fiber has innovative applications in the modern construction industry. It boasts flexibility, high strength, and thermal and insulation power.

The demand for this fiber is rising because it’s an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic options.

The material is a suitable wood substitute for making insulating panels and planks. It’s also a key ingredient in compact bricks for in and outdoor walls and roofs to replace conventional bricks.

Hempcrete

Hempcrete, also known as hemp-lime, is a mixture of hemp hurds (shives) and lime.

The combination produces a natural concrete that’s lightweight yet high-performing. The mixture proportions adapt to different project demands, making it a versatile option for building insulating walls, linings, roofs, and attic spaces.

The Pros Of Hemp In Construction

The most practical way to analyze the impact of this herb on construction and nature is to review the hemp insulation pros and cons.

Hemp insulation comes in batts made from the inner fibrous layer of the plant. This insulation type is an ideal substitute for fiberglass and foam as it leaves a smaller carbon footprint during production.

Hemp also grows in diverse conditions with minimal requirements and can be used as compost after exhausting its useful life. Below are the outstanding benefits:

  • Recyclable material: Houses built with hemp bricks and planks help minimize environmental pollution as the material is recyclable. They’re also waterproof and insulated, offering energy-saving and soundproofing benefits.
  • Eco-friendly cultivation: Hemp cultivation is also ecologically-friendly as it grows in almost any soil that’s not too compact or arid. During growth, it requires minimal herbicides or pesticides and purifies the air by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

After farming, it boosts soil quality and performance by restoring to the land significant amounts of the extracted minerals for regeneration.

  • Natural insulating bricks or blocks: Hemp blocks comprise vegetable fibers, earth, and natural lime mixed, pressed, and air-dried. They boast a high insulating power, producing similar characteristics to traditional houses.

They’re also charge and fire-resistant, minimizing fire spread and the risk of inhaling smoke.

  • Versatile insulating planks: Hemp planks are a worthy competitor to their wooden counterparts. They’re clean, recyclable and used for roof, wall, and floor insulation.

Thanks to the resilient texture, they quickly adapt to any type of construction and are easy to assemble. Planks support automatic humidity regulation without heat loss, ensuring energy-efficient housing.

Unlike wood, hemp doesn’t come with albumin, eliminating the risk of parasite attacks and breaking down.

The Cons Of Hemp In Construction

Even though there are multiple benefits, there are also certain drawbacks to the material. There are a few hemp insulation disadvantages that the cannabis homes industry is striving to work around.

  • Low compressive strength: The major downside of this material is its low compressive strength of about 3.5 megapascals (MPa) at the maximum. Conversely, concrete boasts a minimum compressive strength of 17 MPa, which is still greater than hemp insulation.

The material is, therefore, not ideal for heavy load-bearing projects such as a building’s foundation. It’s only suitable as a filler between conventional framing to boost strength.

  • Cuts back living space: Hemp bricks are considerably thicker than their concrete counterparts. While this attribute is a plus for insulation, it results in wider walls that, in turn, reduce a room’s living space.

If you decide to sell your home, smaller areas may be a problem, as square footage determines the sales price.

  • Insufficient information: The herb’s prohibition lasted for a long time, and the reintroduction of hemp in the industrial industry still requires research. There are also no current standards to measure the application by.
  • Price: As a sustainable option, hemp is beneficial, but production costs are higher than traditional options.

Hemp Housing: A Sustainable Option

Living more sustainably doesn’t mean you’ve to give up your comfort. Cannabis hemp homes offer a simpler, greener alternative to conventional housing. Although there are certain drawbacks, the advantages outweigh them in most cases. Want to be kinder to the environment? Invest in a hemp house today.

SOURCE: Salon Privé Magazine