Hemp is one of the most versatile plants in the world and can be used for many things. Indeed, as we already know, Hemp can be used daily in the form of oil, flowers, concentrates, cosmetics, etc. However, it is possible to use hemp wool as a thermal insulation for the building industry, just like building materials such as paper and even plastic. Hemp is also an excellent material for making clothing, shoes and other accessories.
Characteristics of hemp wool insulation
Hemp is a sustainable material that grows quickly and naturally without pesticides or herbicides. This makes it easier for farmers to grow and harvest their products without having to worry about environmental degradation from chemicals that might have been used on other types of plants.
Hemp is also a natural fiber, which means there is no need to bleach it or apply other chemical treatments before using it as insulation in your home. This is another advantage because it means that there will be less waste involved in the production of this type of insulation.
The process of making hemp wool insulation begins with harvesting the stalks of the plants, then turning them into fibers that are then woven into a fabric-like material that can be used as insulation in your home or office.
Benefits
Hemp wool is therefore an ecological material, but it also has other advantages:
- Completely recyclable.
- Does not irritate the lungs or the skin.
- Does not contain any hazardous substances.
- Resistant to mold and bacteria.
- Does not attract pests.
- No odor.
- Very good thermal and acoustic insulation value.
- Its production does not require much energy.
- It is a durable material.
Disadvantages
Too much moisture can negatively affect hemp wool and cause it to lose its insulating properties. For this reason, it is not recommended to use this material in wet rooms, such as the bathroom. Alternatively, you can also add a vapor barrier film to protect it.
Thermal characteristics of hemp wool
- Specific heat: 1600 – 2350 J/kgK
- Density: 30 – 42 kg/m³.
- Vapor diffusion resistance: 1 – 10
- Fire resistance: (B2) Normally flammable building materials
- λ value: 0.038 WK/ml – (The Lambda value of insulation indicates the thermal conductivity of a material. It is also called the coefficient of thermal conductivity. It is expressed in W/mK, watts/meters in degrees Kelvin. The lower the lambda value, the better the material fights heat loss).
Is hemp a thermal insulator?
Yes, hemp is a good thermal insulator because it has large air spaces between the fibers that provide insulation. This means that hemp can help keep heat in during the winter months and out during the summer months due to its ability to provide an effective barrier against heat transfer.
How to insulate with hemp?
If you are considering using hemp as insulation in your home or business, there are several ways to do so:
- Insulation Boards – You can purchase insulation boards made from 100% hemp and designed specifically for this purpose. These panels are easy to install with only a few screws or nails and provide excellent protection against heat loss through the walls or ceilings of your home or office.
- Insulation in mats – Another way to insulate with hemp is to use batt insulation which consists of natural fibers such as cotton fibers compressed together into blocks of material used for insulation purposes such as sound absorption or thermal resistance as hemp does in homes and offices around the world today!
