US hemp building solutions provider Americhanvre is celebrating the successful fire-testing of its Ereasy-insulated wall assemblies.
As reported by Americhanvre, the Ereasy system has received a one-hour fire resistance rating under ASTM E-119.
This marks the first time a full-scale ASTM E-119 test has been conducted on a hempcrete wall section.
Ereasy is a spray-on product that delivers a consistent flow of hempcrete, a building material used for centuries.
Hempcrete is composed of shredded hemp hurd, lime, and water, with possible additions like clay and cement.
Among its benefits are high thermal mass, no toxic by-products, carbon sequestration, sound dampening, pest and mold resistance, breathability, and fire resistance.
Americhanvre announced that the Ereasy system successfully passed the one-hour fire resistance test.
The test included heating the wall to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit and a subsequent hose stream test.
Americhanvre stated: “The exterior face of this panel with the sensors was completely undamaged through the one hour firing at 1700 degrees F as well as the subsequent hose stream test.”
The company’s statement also highlighted that the exterior face of the panel “never rose a single degree above ambient temperature.”
This official certification is expected to help Americhanvre access larger-scale commercial projects within the USA.
Hempcrete offers several advantages, including its high thermal mass, which contributes to energy efficiency.
It is also known for its breathability, which helps regulate indoor air quality, and its resistance to pests and mold.
Additionally, hempcrete has notable carbon sequestration properties, continuing to absorb carbon dioxide even after application.
Despite its benefits, hempcrete is not as structurally strong as conventional concrete.
However, it is increasingly being used in various building applications, including particleboard.
Last year, Americhanvre received results from ASTM C-518 thermal resistance testing, confirming its European data with an R value of R2.2 per inch.
This thermal resistance rating further supports the efficacy of hempcrete as an insulating material.
The successful fire resistance certification for the Ereasy system is a significant step for Americhanvre.
