ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF TIMBER

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TIMBER AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

Due to its adaptability, this construction material is still widely used due to its excellent load-bearing and thermal insulation capabilities. It has evolved over time to aid the construction industry in reaching efficiency in the buildings they create. 

This indicates that timber will always be a cornerstone in the construction business, but it, like any other building material, has advantages and disadvantages, which we’ve discussed below.

This indicates that timber will always be a cornerstone in the construction business, but it, like any other building material, has advantages and disadvantages, which we’ve discussed below.

ADVANTAGES

  • Easy and quick to build: when compared to a traditional brick or concrete structure, a wood structure is easy and quick to build.
  • Cost: constructing a timber home or structure is less expensive than any other conventional technique with the same requirements or dimensions.
  • Great insulator: buildings made of bricks are recognized for their excellent insulating capabilities, but timber manages to surpass them. 
  • Recyclable: timber can be reused multiple times. It is simple to recycle. 
  • Timber is an elastic material: unlike brick or concrete walls, timber walls do not require a lot of thickness. In conjunction with adequate treatment, a 20m wood wall, for example, is strong enough to protect the inside area against the winter cold.
  • Aesthetic appeal: timber is a beautiful material that can be used both inside and outside.
  • Eco sustainable: timber is a renewable resource.
  • Weight: wood is a relatively lightweight material.
  • Structural strength: timber framings are extremely long-lasting.

DISADVANTAGES

  • Fire resistance: timber is very combustible unless it has undergone particular treatment to provide a special fire rating.
  • Mouldiness: timber has the propensity to mold if it is improperly treated or installed.
  • Discoloration: untreated wood that is exposed to various weather effects discolors with time, resulting in a dark and soiled appearance.
  • Swelling and shrinking: timber has a natural tendency to absorb water, known as Hygroscopy.