HempFlax Insulation
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08. 8.06
Building insulation is a sure-fire way to gain greeny points. In the winter it reduces heat loss; in summer heat gain. Less energy is expended in warming or cooling a living or working space. Hempflax, of the Netherlands, make their insulation batts from mostly hemp fibre, adding some polyester fibre for reinforcing. Soda acts as the fire retardant, and as the hemp is naturally resistant to moths and beetles extra chemical application is avoided. Eight thicknesses are available from 40mm (1.6 inch), to 250mm (10 inch). Using Dutch and German crop, Hempflax suggest their product is low in dust, and “creates a healthy organic indoor climate”, in new buildings, or renovations. (It is further intimated that the material can be recycled, though into what is not explained.) Just the thing for lining the floor or ceiling of your hempcrete or hemp-baled house. ::HempFlax.
How do they recycle it, smoke it?
"Hemp fibre soaks up moisture and distributes it which results in optimal moisture regulation." That does not sound good for insulation that is in your walls. Interesting though.
i built a log house here in germany and installed hempflax insulation on the outside of the house and then paneled over with 1x8 t&g to mimic the interior logs . the insulation is totally non toxic and very easy to install. every thing the manufacture says is accurate.
Jilted Citizen:
Moisture distribution and regulation are key properties inside your walls. If the insulation doesn't move the moisture, it can't evaporate and gets bogged into areas of the wall, leading to leaching into the plaster which destroys your interior walls. This is a positive property, not a negative as it might seem at first glance. Moisture naturally gets into your walls, and this insulation helps to get it out!
Cheers,
The Bunny