What is Hempcrete?
The Industrial Hemp plant offers two primary types of fiber. The outer bast fiber is the long stringy bark of the stalk. The inner hurd is mostly cellulose. That hurd can be milled to small pieces, mixed with water and lime to create hempcrete.
Hempcrete is a low density material resistant to cracking under movement, making it suitable for use in earthquake-prone areas. Walls insulated with hempcrete blocks are only 15% as dense as traditional concrete and not used for structural support. With an R-value of about 2 per inch, it serves as a great insulation. The porous nature of hempcrete allows it to regulate humidity to safeguard against mold and mildew. In fire rating tests, hempcrete scored the lowest possible rating for flammability. You can hold a blow torch to a hempcrete block and it won’t burn. Termites and rodents leave it alone. There are many reasons to use this carbon negative, sustainable crop in buildings.
Community Awareness and Workshops
iHemp Michigan travels around the state working on education programs. Below is a video from a workshop held at the Critter Barn in Zeeland. Contact us if you would like to host a workshop in your area. Much work needs completed to educate about the benefits of Industrial Hemp.
