Since the beginning of the concrete revolution in construction, wood has had a sharp decline in its use for architecture, especially in Europe. But, in recent years, its use in projects and constructions has grown exponentially again, as new techniques have been created for its manufacture and use. Its great development of industrial woods and its awareness of the environment means that wood is once again on a par with concrete and even steel, developing new performances. That is why in today’s article we want to talk to you about this material and its use in construction, focusing on the structure of a wooden house. We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of building in wood, the main techniques that exist to be able to make these structures, and we will even show you the different ways of using wood to build and create structures. If you are considering a comprehensive renovation of your home and want to change the structure of your home a little, you are in the right place to find out more and find out a little more about whether this is exactly what you are looking for.
Advantages of the Structure of a Wooden House
Some of the advantages that we can name about wood and, above all, for the subject of construction and structures, are the following:
- Wood is a material that can be used in all types of environments, including areas near the sea.
- Wood is a natural material, which can be easily renewed and is recyclable. Thanks to this, it is a reference as a raw material.
- Not only do they need less labor, but also less time, which will affect the final price, which will be reduced quite a bit.
- It is an abundant material, so its cost is low compared to other materials.
- As an insulating material, it has excellent noise and temperature resistance. Therefore, compared to other alternatives, the energy costs of wooden houses are reduced without the need for additional insulation measures.
- To be able to build with this material, much less energy is needed than with other materials, such as concrete or steel.
- The wood is quite light and with a high load capacity. This also makes the entire structure lighter and does not require a very large foundation.
- Construction time is significantly reduced and drying and resting time is much reduced.
Disadvantages of using Wood in Construction
Like everything in life, the construction of a house with a wooden structure has some drawbacks to take into account:
- Wood can be attacked by insects or even fungi. If treated correctly and regular maintenance is sufficient, even though you will still have risks, they can reduce very considerably.
- Easy to catch fire. Now there is an insulation treatment that can greatly reduce the effect of fire and greatly extend the burning time. In the construction of houses with cross-laminated timber, it shows better performance than other traditional building materials.
- Final constructions made of wood have a more limited scale than when built with other materials.
Techniques for the Construction of Wooden Structures
Wood can be used in many ways to work as a structural material. We are going to show you two examples so that you can differentiate the different types of techniques and know more about them.
Cross-laminates or Solid Structures
Cross-laminated timber panels are made up of different layers of slats connected to each other in alternating directions. With these panels, you can get large parts with excellent stability and strength. The cross-laminated timber structure includes the use of these panels to create architectural elements: floors, walls, etc. They are all fabricated in the workshop and then connected to their final location with the help of a crane. Even door and window holes are made in the workshop before the piece is finalized. This type of construction with wood allows the manufacture of large buildings and even skyscrapers.
Lightweight Lattices
Timber framing includes the use of beams or linear pieces to make trusses, structures, or skeletons. There are two different types of lattices: lightweight lattices, which use pieces of limited sizes, which are usually solid, and heavy lattices. These are differentiated because, when it comes to manufacturing, the latter use laminated beams that will allow more thickness and length in their pieces. Lightweight framing is typically used for single-family homes with no more than two stories. The framework is covered with boards and the remaining gaps are covered with insulation to allow the passage of wiring and structures.
Other Types of Structures
We would also like to name other types of wooden structures that are used today. These ways to make structures for a wooden house or any construction are:
- Joist slabs
- Trusses
- Domes
- Modular structures
- Stairs
- Pergolas
- Gateways
With all this information that we have provided you, we hope that we have helped you to rediscover this wonderful material, wood, whether for housing structures or even for construction in general. Choosing wood as the main material for your new home is to value today If you have any questions do not hesitate to consult us and we will help you with whatever you need.
