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For many years, wood-frame construction has been providing the world with high-quality, affordable housing. This goes from town houses to multi-storey apartment buildings, and from single-family bungalows to large luxury houses. Wood frame houses are economical to build, heat and cool, and provide maximum comfort to occupants. Wood shells are approximately 1/2 of the cost of a comparable concrete shell. Wood construction is easily adapted to traditional, contemporary and most futuristic building styles. Its architectural possibilities are limitless. |
Moisture
Wood can safely absorb large quantities of water before reaching moisture content levels that will be inviting for decay fungi
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The durability of wood is often a function of water, but that doesn’t mean wood can never get wet. Quite the contrary, wood and water usually live happily together. Wood is a hygroscopic material, which means it naturally takes on and gives off water to balance out with its surrounding environment. Wood can safely absorb large quantities of water before reaching moisture content levels that will be inviting for decay fungi. In construction however, water and excess moisture have the potential to lead to rot, decay, or mold if improper design and materials allow it to accumulate. To prevent this, the proper design must be incorporated into the wood frame structure. The correct structural and cladding materials must be used. Correct roofing, wall siding, opening flashing material and design are used to deflect water away from the structure. Weeping tile installed around the footing of the building drains ground water away from the structure. When the proper materials and design are incorporated, wood frame technology can be successfully utilized in the wettest regions of the world. |
