Hemp concrete or hempcrete has become a buzzword in the construction industry in recent years. It’s a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete that’s made from a mix of hemp, water, and a lime-based binder. Hemp concrete is lightweight, non-toxic, durable, and has insulation properties that make it ideal for both residential and commercial buildings.
If you’re considering using hemp concrete for your next project, this guide will walk you through how to make hemp concrete step by step.
Can You Make Hemp Concrete?
Hemp is becoming popular in homebuilding and construction due to its many benefits. But did you know that hemp can also be used to make a unique type of concrete? Hempcrete, as it’s called, is a mixture of hemp hurds, lime, and water. The resulting material is lightweight, fire-resistant, and has great insulation properties.
Additionally, hempcrete is a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete since it is biodegradable and requires less energy to produce. While it’s still not a widely-used building material, hempcrete is gaining traction as an eco-friendly option for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment.
Why Should You Make Hemp Concrete?
If you’re interested in finding sustainable and eco-friendly ways to build, you should consider using hemp concrete. Hemp concrete, also known as hempcrete, is a building material that is made from the woody core fibers of the hemp plant mixed with lime and water.
Not only is it a great alternative to traditional concrete because it is more sustainable and renewable, it also has excellent insulation properties and is extremely durable. In fact, hempcrete is known to increase in strength over time, making it a great long-term investment for any building project.
Moreover, its natural ability to regulate temperature makes it an excellent option for homes or buildings in areas with extreme weather conditions. By choosing to use hempcrete, you’re making an environmentally conscious decision and investing in a high-quality and long-lasting building material.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Hemp Concrete
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Before you start making hempcrete, you should have all the necessary materials ready. You’ll need hemp hurds or shives, which are the inner woody core of the hemp plant, hydrated lime, and water. Depending on your preference and the specific application of the hempcrete, you can also add other materials like sand, clay, or cement.
Step 2: Mix the Hemp and Lime
Mix the hemp hurds and hydrated lime in a mixer or wheelbarrow. The recommended ratio is 3:1 of hemp and lime, respectively, by volume. You can adjust the ratio depending on your desired density and insulation properties. Add water gradually and keep mixing until the mixture forms a cohesive paste.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the Formwork
Once the hempcrete mixture is ready, pour it into the formwork or mold. The formwork can be made of wood, metal, or any other material that can hold the shape of the hempcrete as it dries. If necessary, you can also incorporate metal or bamboo reinforcement, especially for load-bearing structures.
Step 4: Tamp and Cure the Hempcrete
After pouring the hempcrete into the formwork, use a tamper or a vibrator to compact the mixture and remove any air pockets. Allow the hempcrete to cure for at least 24 hours or until it’s hard enough to be de-molded. Once the hempcrete is out of the mold, let it cure for another two weeks or so before applying any finishing coats or paints.
Step 5: Add Finishing Coats
If desired, you can add finishing coats of lime or clay plaster to the hempcrete. This is recommended especially for outdoor applications where the hempcrete will be exposed to moisture and extreme weather conditions.
Step 6: Cut and Shape the Hempcrete
Once your hempcrete has cured completely, you can shape and cut it using the tools you usually use for wood or other materials. This will depend on the thickness of the hempcrete, but a saw can be used to cut it into desired sizes and shapes.
Step 7: Apply Protective Coating
Finally, if your hempcrete is going to be exposed to water or weather elements, you should apply a protective coating to it. There are several options on the market; you can choose one that is suitable for your specific needs. This will help protect the hempcrete from mold, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to make hemp concrete. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create your own environmentally friendly building material that is both durable and cost-effective. Happy building!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Make Hemp Concrete
1. The Right Ratio
Using the right ratio of hemp hurds to lime is important when making hemp concrete. The ideal ratio is 1 part hemp hurds to 2 parts lime by volume. This ratio will ensure that the final product is strong and durable.
2. Choosing the Right Hemp Hurds
Not all hemp hurds are created equal. When choosing hemp hurds for your project, be sure to select those that are dark in color and have a high fiber content. This hemp hurds will produce a stronger and more durable final product.
3. Adding Admixtures
Adding admixtures to your hemp concrete mix can improve its strength, durability, and workability. Common admixtures include fly ash, silica fume, and superplasticizers. Be sure to add these admixtures in the correct proportion in order to achieve the desired results.
4. Curing the Concrete
After the hemp concrete has been placed, it is important to cure it properly in order to achieve the desired strength and durability. Curing can be done by wetting the surface of the concrete with water or by covering it with plastic sheeting.
5. Sealing the Surface
Once the concrete has cured, it is important to seal the surface in order to protect it from weathering and staining. A variety of sealers are available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your project
5 Benefits of Making Hemp Concrete
1. It’s Green
Hemp concrete is a green building material, as it is made from a renewable resource – hemp. Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires little water or pesticides to grow, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
2. It’s Strong
Hemp concrete is a strong building material, as it contains natural fibers that reinforce the concrete. This makes it an ideal choice for earthquake-prone areas or other structures that need to be able to withstand high winds or heavy loads.
3. It’s Insulating
Hemp concrete is an excellent insulator due to the air pockets that are created by the hemp fibers. This can help to keep a building warm in winter and cool in summer, leading to lower energy bills.
4. It’s Soundproof
Hemp concrete can also help to reduce noise levels, as the hemp fibers help to absorb sound waves. This makes it an ideal material for use in schools, hospitals, or other places where noise levels need to be kept low.
5. It’s Affordable
Hemp concrete is an affordable building material, as it is typically cheaper than traditional concrete mixes. This makes it attractive for those looking to build on a budget.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Make Hemp Concrete
Hemp concrete has gained popularity as an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional concrete. However, many people who try to make hemp concrete for the first time often make common mistakes that hinder their efforts.
One of the most prevalent errors is using the wrong type of hemp. Industrial hemp is the preferred choice as it contains low levels of THC compared to other hemp varieties. Mixing is also crucial, as incorrect ratios or improper measurements can weaken the structure. Finally, it is important to give the hempcrete ample time to dry.
Rushing the drying process can cause cracking, which can compromise the durability of the structure. With careful attention to detail, making hemp concrete is a rewarding experience that can help reduce the environmental impacts of traditional concrete.
Can I Paint Hempcrete Walls for A Decorative Finish?
Are you considering using hempcrete walls for your next construction project? If so, you may be wondering if you can add some decorative flair to this eco-friendly material.
The good news is, yes, you can! Hempcrete walls are highly versatile and can be painted to achieve a variety of finishes, including smooth, glossy, matte, or textured. From bold colors to subtle shades, the possibilities are endless. Plus, painting your hempcrete walls will not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but will also help to protect them from weathering and other environmental factors.
So, go ahead and unleash your creativity with hempcrete walls – the perfect canvas for your decorative vision!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making hempcrete is a simple and straightforward process that requires minimal resources and skills. Hempcrete is a sustainable and eco-friendly building material that offers numerous benefits over traditional concrete, such as insulation, durability, and non-toxicity.
By following these five steps, you can make your own hempcrete and contribute to a more sustainable future in the construction industry. Thanks for reading our post about how to make hemp concrete.