I have some land and I'm planning to build a small living structure. Has anyone had experience using hemp products for insulation or hempcrete in construction? I'm curious about how well they perform and whether they can be done properly.
3 Answers
I've tried a few hemp products, but I'm hesitant about using them for insulation or concrete. It seems a bit pricey, and I wonder if it actually improves concrete strength. Organic materials can decay, which isn't ideal for concrete. For insulation, I think it has a similar R-value to cellulose but will cost you more.
Mineral wool is generally regarded as the top choice for insulation. But if you're building a small structure, go ahead and experiment with hemp products! Just keep in mind that moisture, mold, and pests can be a concern since they are attracted to organic materials. Make sure to address those potential issues.
We've tested hemp insulation, and its R-value is about the same as fiberglass, but it actually performed better in air sealing tests. One plus is that it dries out more efficiently than fiberglass, making it a solid option. Plus, it's hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture and let it out when it's dry, so it might help with indoor air quality too!
That’s right! Hempcrete does absorb moisture and releases it when conditions allow, making it quite versatile as a building material.
True, it's organic, but once mixed with lime, it becomes resilient against mold and pests. I'm curious how long those hempcrete bricks actually last before they need replacing. The good part is you can swap out the blocks easily since they don’t need drywall.