What is hemp?
Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant and is grown specifically for industrial uses. Although it derives from the same plant as Cannabis (the drug), hemp has much lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which eliminates its psychoactive effects.
Which part of the plant is used for building insulation?
Hemp hurds consist of the woody inner portion of the hemp stalk, broken into pieces and separated from the fibre in the processes of breaking and scrutching. This has traditionally been a by-product of fiber production and is increasingly being used in industrial products such as hempcrete.
How does it work exactly?
Hemp hurds are blended with lime (a mineral binder) and water to form a thick mixture. It is then tossed around the wood structure of the building, compacted and left to set, molding the building completely into one large piece. When the binder is set and cured, it becomes hempcrete, a concrete-like material that delivers an R-value between R20 and R30 depending on the mix and compaction.
Is this technology approved by the Ontario Building Code?
Yes! Residential hemp construction projects are permissible under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code as alternative solutions.
What are the impacts on project timelines?
Insulating with hemp is more labor intensive so it does need to be taken into account in the project timeline. However, other steps are removed from the timeline because they are no longer required (ex: strapping, vapor barrier etc.). Each project is unique but insulating with hemp doesn't automatically involve a longer timeline.
Is it really affordable?
Yes! The cost of hempcrete is comparable with other insulation options although it doesn’t benefit from the volume price breaks of those other options because of the availability of the materials. One thing to keep in mind is that locally grown hemp is much more affordable than that imported from Europe. Along with the many advantages of hempcrete, the fact that no extra interior or exterior finishes are required is important to consider when calculating the project costs. Only a lime plaster on interior and exterior walls is required to "seal" the wall and ensure maximum building efficiency but you can do away with strapping, vapor barrier (Tyvex plastic), pink fiberglass insulation, aspenite, plywood, drywall and exterior foam.
Yes! The cost of hempcrete is comparable with other insulation options although it doesn’t benefit from the volume price breaks of those other options because of the availability of the materials. One thing to keep in mind is that locally grown hemp is much more affordable than that imported from Europe. Along with the many advantages of hempcrete, the fact that no extra interior or exterior finishes are required is important to consider when calculating the project costs. Only a lime plaster on interior and exterior walls is required to "seal" the wall and ensure maximum building efficiency but you can do away with strapping, vapor barrier (Tyvex plastic), pink fiberglass insulation, aspenite, plywood, drywall and exterior foam.
Can electric wires and plumbing be installed in a hempcrete wall?
Electrical components and plumbing need to be installed just after the framing stage of the project. They are installed as per the building code by a professional licensed contractor. The hempcrete is then put in place.
How does hempcrete insulation impact the design of my home?
Hempcrete walls can be shaped to any form. This means it is adaptable to any home design. From classic to contemporary, once everything is in place, you only breath in the difference!
Hempcrete walls can be shaped to any form. This means it is adaptable to any home design. From classic to contemporary, once everything is in place, you only breath in the difference!
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