If you need a plaster for your stone or brick home, Hemp Lime Plaster may be just the plaster for you.
Lime hemp plaster is a natural building material that has been used for centuries to construct walls and other structures. It is made from a mixture of lime, water, and hemp fibers and is considered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plaster.
It is a durable and breathable plaster that has many benefits for both your home and the environment.
In this article, we will explore what lime hemp plaster is, how it is made, and the benefits it has for your home.
What is Lime Hemp plaster?
Lime hemp plaster is a mixture of hemp shivs (the inner core of the hemp plant), lime, and water. The hemp shivs are typically mixed with a hydraulic lime binder, which is a type of lime that sets when exposed to air.
This mixture creates a breathable plaster that is both durable and sustainable.
Lime hemp plaster is commonly used as an alternative to traditional plaster materials, such as cement or gypsum, due to its environmental and health benefits. It is also a popular material for restoring historic buildings, as it is able to replicate the original lime plaster that was used in many older buildings.
How is Lime Hemp Plaster Made?
The process of making lime hemp plaster involves several steps:
- Hemp Processing: The first step is to process the hemp shivs. The shivs are typically harvested from the plant, cleaned, and then mixed with water to soften them.
- Mixing: Once the shivs are softened, they are mixed with lime and water to create a plaster mix. The mix is then left to cure for several days, allowing the lime to bind with the hemp fibers.
- Application: Once the plaster mix has cured, it can be applied to the wall. The plaster is typically applied in several layers, with each layer allowed to dry before the next is applied.
- Finishing: Once the final layer has been applied, the plaster can be finished with a trowel or float. This creates a smooth and even surface that can be painted or left as is.
Benefits of Lime Hemp Plaster for Your Home
There are many benefits to using lime hemp plaster in your home. Here are some of the most notable:
- Environmentally Friendly: Lime hemp plaster is made from natural and sustainable materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice for your home. The production process is also much less energy-intensive than traditional plaster materials, such as cement or gypsum.
- Breathable: Lime hemp plaster is a breathable material, which means that it allows moisture to pass through it. This can help to prevent issues such as damp and mold in your home.
- Thermal Performance: Lime hemp plaster has excellent thermal performance, meaning that it can help to regulate the temperature in your home. It is also able to absorb and release moisture, which can help to maintain a healthy level of humidity in your home.
- Fire Resistant: Lime hemp plaster is naturally fire-resistant, making it a safe choice for your home. It is also resistant to pests, such as insects and rodents.
- Sound Insulation: Lime hemp plaster has excellent sound insulation properties, making it a good choice for reducing noise pollution in your home.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Lime hemp plaster has a natural, rustic look that can add character to your home. It is also versatile and can be painted or left as is.
How is Lime Hemp plaster different from regular Lime plaster?
Lime hemp plaster, also known as hempcrete or hemp lime plaster, is a type of lime plaster that contains hemp fibers mixed in with lime and aggregate. This mixture creates a unique texture and color that distinguishes it from regular lime plaster.
Here are some key differences between lime hemp plaster and regular lime plaster:
Ingredients: Regular lime plaster typically consists of lime putty, sand, and water, whereas lime hemp plaster includes hemp fibers, lime putty, sand, and water.
Insulation properties: Lime hemp plaster has excellent insulation properties due to the presence of the hemp fibers, which trap air and create a thermal barrier. This makes it a popular choice for eco-friendly and energy-efficient building construction.
Weight: Lime hemp plaster is lighter in weight than regular lime plaster, which makes it easier to handle and less likely to crack or fall off.
Texture and appearance: Lime hemp plaster has a unique texture and appearance due to the presence of hemp fibers. It has a more organic and natural look, with visible fibers and a slightly rough texture.
Environmental impact: Lime hemp plaster is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material, as it is made from natural ingredients and is biodegradable. It also has a low carbon footprint and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, Lime hemp plaster is a versatile and eco-friendly building material that offers many advantages over traditional lime plaster. Its unique properties make it an attractive choice for those looking to create sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
Is lime plaster a good insulator?
Yes, lime hemp plaster is a good insulator. The presence of the hemp fibers in the plaster mix creates a porous structure that traps air, which in turn provides good insulation properties.
In fact, lime hemp plaster is known for its excellent insulation properties and is often used in sustainable building construction for this reason. Its thermal insulation properties can help to reduce energy consumption and costs associated with heating and cooling buildings, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly and energy-efficient building projects.
In addition to its insulation properties, lime hemp plaster also has other benefits such as being breathable, fire-resistant, and resistant to pests and mold. It is a natural and environmentally friendly material that can help to improve indoor air quality and create a healthy living environment.
It is important to note that the insulation properties of lime hemp plaster can vary depending on the thickness and density of the plaster, as well as other factors such as the quality of the hemp fibers and the mix ratio of the plaster ingredients. Therefore, it is important to work with a qualified professional who can help you determine the appropriate thickness and mix ratio for your specific building project to ensure optimal insulation performance.
How to apply Lime Hemp Plaster to your walls?
Prior to application, you will need to mix Hemp Lime Plaster with water until it reaches the consistency that it states on the bag. Hemp Lime Plaster is applied using a trowel just the same as if applying normal plaster.
Applying lime hemp plaster to your walls is a simple process that requires some preparation and attention to detail.
- First, ensure that your walls are clean, dry, and free of any debris or loose paint.
- Next, mix the lime hemp plaster according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that the consistency is smooth and free of lumps.
- Apply the plaster in thin layers using a trowel, working from the bottom up and smoothing each layer as you go.
- Let each layer dry completely before adding the next.
- Finally, once you have applied the desired number of layers, use a sponge or sandpaper to smooth any rough spots or imperfections.
With proper application, lime hemp plaster can provide a durable and attractive finish to your walls while also contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.
Conclusion
Lime hemp plaster is a natural and sustainable building material that has many benefits for your home. It is environmentally friendly, breathable, fire-resistant, and has excellent thermal and sound insulation properties. It is also versatile and aesthetically pleasing, making it a great choice for both modern and historic homes.
If you are considering using lime hemp plaster in your home, it is important to work with a professional plasterer who has experience working with this material. They will be able to ensure that the plaster is applied correctly
