This is part two of a two-part series of the benefits of using timber in place of concrete and steel in major architectural builds. From the natural beauty, affordability, and the impact on the environment we cover it all. If you haven’t yet read Part One: Benefits To Timber Builds we suggest you do and then come right back here to continue.
#5: Durability and Workability
Wood is a material that is often used for so many different things because it is very sustainable and durable. Certain species can be dense and some that are soft, which allows you to choose the best type of wood for your project. It is also affordable. Of course, just like with most things, there are cheaper species and then there are more expensive species with a middle ground in-between. Typically, no species of wood is so expensive that an average homeowner would turn it away. You must pick the species of wood that best suits the job you are completing. Some woods are softer than others which makes them more prone to denting, scratching, and chipping. Other than this precaution, the species of wood you choose doesn’t matter. Choose what will work best for your given application.
#6: Safety and Weight
Any foundation on any build is bound to shift the longer it sits and ages. Wood allows for a slight bend in its physics, which means if the foundation shifts every so slightly you are less likely to notice since wood can bend in the slightest. Whereas if you use bricks or concrete, you would start to notice cracks as the foundation continues to shift. Back to the affordability aspect of wood, if you are in a situation where you are having to replace a piece or rebuild completely, wood is much cheaper to rebuild than brick for instance. Having to rebuild can be stressful anyways so why would you add on more stress with the cost of materials?
#7: Resistance
Most wood is resistant to water, rot, termites, and daily wear and tear. Water is a significant concern when building. Think about if you have a concrete foundation and a water pipe bursts or your roof leaks. The water would pool in the foundation and sit their growing mold and mildew, whereas with some woods water is absorbed and eventually dried out. As far as a wooden exterior build to protect a home against rain, many types of wood are water-resistant and are great for protecting the exterior or even interior of a home.
#8: Naturality
Wood is a very natural product, not letting off chemicals or harsh fumes into a home-like concrete and steel can do from time to time. Wood is a healthy building material that allows for a pure atmosphere throughout your entire home. If a room is finished with natural uncoated wood, the humidity would be regulated and the air kept pure. When it comes to using a material that is pure and natural, wood is a prime candidate compared to steel, concrete, or plastic building materials.
#9: Acoustics
Wood may not be a good soundproofing agent, but it is a prime contestant for concert halls due to the fact this helps dampen sounds and develops the perfect tone when absorbing sound waves.
#10: Rust No More
One of the last and final benefits of using timber is the ability to eliminate rust altogether. As wood ages, it rarely shows wear and tears, unlike metals that rust and show damages. By eliminating rust, you are not only creating a cleaner look, but you are reducing the need to repair or rebuild.
Mass timber building is a building opportunity that is loved by some and hated by others. There are pros and cons just like everything but the pros, in this case, outweigh the cons by far. What do you think? Do you think mass timber building will create a more clean, sustainable, and pure environment and air for us to breath? Or do you think the mass timber building promotes deforestation and is not worth the benefits? There are many unanswered questions, but as of now, this trend is being set to high standards by architects and designers around the globe.
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