Those who want to have a house made of wood have many options that they can choose from. However, before selecting the right choice, they must know the advantages and disadvantages of having one built of this material.
Timber is cheaper than brick or stone.
Traditionally, the United States has built houses from wood and brick. While many people have come to prefer brick, wood is still a popular building material in the US.
The main benefit of building with wood is that it is less expensive than brick or stone. This is especially true when you consider the labour cost of installation.
However, the wood can be damaged by moisture. Water damage can increase the likelihood of mould growth and other problems. In addition, wood expands and contracts during lousy weather. This makes it challenging to resist mould and mildew.
The brick is fireproof and also holds up better to the weather. In addition, it is easier to clean than wood. However, brick does not protect against termites. This means that it may not be the best choice for a home.
Masonry is very expensive. If you choose brick, you will need a brick mason. It can also be challenging to get the materials for a house with an irregular shape.
Timber frame construction is also much cheaper than masonry. The cost will depend on the size of the project. This includes the timber frame itself, the brick or stone addition and the masons.
The timber frame usually comes in pre-assembled sections. This allows specialized staff to complete the work in a shorter period.
Some builders build houses from large, robust beams. This can minimize the disruption to the area. It also gives a more traditional look.
In the UK, brick and stone-built homes are standard. However, the reclaimed timber trend is gaining popularity. This adds character to the house without requiring extensive building renovation.
Some builders are now building houses with a mix of both. This creates an “aisle” concept. This provides shelter from wind, rain and sunlight.
It absorbs moisture
Unlike brick, a hard material that does not expand or contract, wood is a hygroscopic substance that absorbs and loses moisture in the atmosphere. It also can absorb gases like carbon dioxide and water from liquids. It can also be used for thermal insulation, which helps to retain the heat in a building in cold weather. In addition, it is an environmentally friendly material that is an affordable, durable and flexible material.
The moisture content of wood is not a given, but it can be calculated based on the relative humidity of the surrounding air. This is called the Equilibrium Moisture Content. For practical purposes, the moisture content of wood is around 30 per cent. However, some hardwoods are more prone to humidity-related problems than others.
The moisture content of wood varies depending on the species, the position within the tree, and the season of the year. For example, the moisture content of a pine tree can be as high as 250 per cent, while a beech tree can be up to 120 per cent. It is also possible to find highly water-resistant wood, such as balsa or cypress.
The woodworking industry often suggests a range of humidity levels for a home, ranging from 25 to 65 per cent. While this is not a requirement, the higher the humidity level, the less moisture content of the finished product. The moisture content of wood is also determined by its density. The higher the thickness of the wood, the more time it takes for the final moisture level to be reached.
The moisture content of wood is also influenced by its storage and transportation conditions. For instance, if the wood is recently shipped or transported from a distant location, it may take several months to reach the desired moisture content.
It’s a natural air-conditioner.
Even though wood is not the most common construction material in the United States, the old-fashioned way is still the gold standard. A light wood framework is the order of the day to keep the American dream alive. The same holds for a well-planned renovation scheme, which is no small feat in a busy metropolis. Regarding construction methods, wood remains a staple, primarily housing our growing crowd. In terms of quality of life, wood is the best option for a family of four. The same is true in a household of six or more. During the off-season, a wood-clad domicile is the best option for family bonding and a respite from the elements. During the bleak midwinter months, a wood-clad home is a welcome respite from the cold and rain and a homey abode for the family pet. The aforementioned pampered pooches also get the luxury of an en suite bathroom, a rare find. This has been a boon for many generations of the family, and with a growing household, a wood-clad domicile is just what the doctor ordered.
It’s durable
Despite the rise in the popularity of concrete, the United States is still one of the few countries that primarily construct homes using wood. This is because wood is less expensive than other building materials, is easy to work with, and provides architectural flexibility.
Building a wooden house is cheaper than creating a brick one. It is also more durable and easier to repair. You can expect your wooden home to last about a century, whereas a brick house can last for 500 years with proper maintenance.
In addition to being more cost-effective, a wooded home is also more energy efficient. It is a natural air conditioner, absorbs humidity, and is an excellent thermal insulator. It is also able to withstand weak tornadoes and low-intensity earthquakes.
A wooden house is also more flexible than a brick one. In the case of a foundation shift, a wooden house will flex. A brick house, however, will not turn. Therefore, the mortar will have cracks when a brick foundation is shifted. This will eventually lead to the need for tuckpointing.
Although wooden houses have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages. For example, a cigarette butt on the floor may not be put out, and a fire may start. In addition, cheap building materials can make a house susceptible to water damage.
If your home is not a brick one, you can expect to repoint your walls at least once every 30 years. This can be an inconvenience for homeowners who like to renovate their homes.
Another disadvantage of a wood house is that it is relatively easy to burn to the ground. On the other hand, a brick house is non-combustible, so it is more likely to contain a fire in a room.
It’s flexible
Using wood for construction is no newfangled gimmick. On the contrary, it is the main feature in the United States. It is also the most economical material by weight compared to brick and concrete. It is also the most innovative and sensible choice for many savvy homebuyers. Likewise, it has the most flexibility of any primary building material. Besides, wood is one of the few building materials capable of resisting a significant earthquake. This is a boon in the Pacific Northwest, where the likes of Oregon, Washington and California are prone to frequent and costly earthquakes.
It is no secret that Americans are mobile creatures. This translates to a plethora of choices. While there are countless homes to choose from, most are made of the same wood. This leads to a plethora of design and tinkering opportunities. The best part is that most of these opportunities are free or low-cost. It’s a good thing, as most of us are strapped for cash.
The best part is that we can choose what we want and where. For this reason alone, it is no wonder that we have more wooden houses than any other nation on the planet. The fact is that there is more wood in the US than there are humans on earth. The following are some of the reasons why.
The biggest challenge is deciding which house to build. This is why the economical choice of a homebuilder is the best option for a large family and a small family with kids.