Wood is a renewable material, and can be harvested without harming the ecosystem in which it grows. It also has excellent insulating properties, which help to reduce energy costs.
There are more than 5000 different kinds of woods and each of them has a unique macroscopic and microscopic structure, with distinct thermal, acoustic and mechanical properties.
Strength
Wood is a powerful material with many physical properties that can benefit it as a building material. For instance, it has an incredibly high breaking length (or self-support length), meaning it can support itself well without additional supports. It also has a natural resistance to electrical currents and heat.
The strength of wood is attributed to its structural components that are made up of microfibrils covered first by hemicellulose and then by lignin. These microfibrils are arranged in different directions, giving wood strength in multiple directions.
In addition, if treated with proper preservatives, it can last for hundreds of years. This is especially true if the wood is kiln-dried and rot-resistant.
Lastly, it is also very lightweight. This allows for the construction of buildings that are not only more stable than those built using other materials, but it also requires less foundation space. This allows more storeys to be added to existing structures. It also makes it easier to meet building codes and safety specifications. Wood can also help reduce the amount of energy used in cooling and heating a structure due to its insulation ratings.
Durability
While concrete and steel have taken the lead when it comes to building materials, wood is still one of the most durable options. In addition to being stronger and more flexible, it also resists fire better than other materials. Furthermore, it is more environmentally friendly, as it does not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, wood is renewable and biodegradable. It is also recyclable and stores carbon, which means that it has a smaller environmental footprint than other construction materials. In addition, wood buildings are more energy efficient than those made of other materials and are better able to absorb sound.
In addition, the static quality of wood makes it ideal for multi-story structures and large load-bearing components. Its low dead weight allows for a thinner foundation than would be possible with a concrete or steel structure. Additionally, wood is highly insulating and regulates moisture, which can contribute to a comfortable indoor climate. Its acoustic properties also reduce noise reverberation, which can enhance comfort. Finally, a timber building can also withstand earthquakes better than a concrete structure.
Aesthetics
Wood is a natural material that has many aesthetic appeals. It has a warm, inviting appearance and can provide an elegant look to any building. It can also be carved and decorated for further visual appeal.
In addition to its aesthetics, wood offers a number of functional advantages. It is a naturally insulating material that helps to regulate heat and moisture. It also absorbs sound, which can lead to less echo in living and office spaces. Furthermore, it is a great choice for earthquake-proofing as it can absorb shocks more effectively than concrete or steel.
Unlike other building materials, wood does not deteriorate. However, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. When maintained properly, it can last for up to 100 years. Moreover, once it is no longer needed, wood can be reused in various ways (e.g., chipboard). In contrast, building materials like metal and concrete take a long time to break down after being discarded. Therefore, using wood in construction can help reduce the amount of waste and environmental pollution.
Recyclability
Wood is a renewable natural material that can be recycled over and over again. Wood is a more versatile material than concrete or steel in that it can be used for walls, beams, countertops, doors, ceiling panels and much more. In addition, it can be carved, painted and treated in many different ways to suit the aesthetic of any building.
Because of its cellular structure, it also acts as an insulator with air pockets that slow the conductivity of heat. In addition, it helps moderate humidity levels, which adds to the comfort of a living space.
In addition, wood has a lower embodied energy than concrete, aluminum and steel. It also sequesters carbon over its life cycle, capturing the carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
New construction and the renovation of existing buildings create opportunities to reclaim wood. However, most wood ends up in landfills because current construction and demolition (C&D) techniques are so destructive that the wood is rendered useless. Reclaiming and using repurposed wood not only reduces C&D waste, but it also saves money on purchasing brand-new materials.
Environmental Impact
Wood has been used as a construction material for thousands of years, on every continent and in most cultures. However, fear of fire led to its replacement in the 19th century by non-combustible materials like concrete and steel. But now architects and builders are re-embracing wood. They believe that it has the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, slash waste and pollution from construction, and create a healthier, more physically, psychologically and aesthetically sound built environment.
Wood is a renewable resource and requires far less energy to produce than concrete or metals. In addition, it is a carbon-capture material that reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by storing it. In fact, a typical North American wood-framed house stores more CO2 than the family car does for over five years! The cellular structure of wood also gives it an insulation advantage over other materials, reducing the amount of energy required for heating and cooling. As a bonus, wood is light and can be prefabricated for faster construction on site.