DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT TIMBER CONSTRUCTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Laia Biosca

April 13, 2023
Wood resistant to adverse weather conditions

Wood is a building material that has been used by mankind for centuries. It is durable, versatile, easy to work with and renewable, making it ideal for a wide variety of construction applications.

However, despite its many benefits, there are several myths surrounding wood as a building material. Let's debunk some of the most common myths and explain why wood remains a popular and reliable choice for construction.

Myth #1: Wood is flammable and dangerous in case of fire.

It is true that wood is flammable, but so are many other building materials, such as plastic and synthetic chemicals. In addition, wood can be treated with flame retardants to make it more fire resistant. In fact, properly treated high-quality wood can be more fire resistant than other building materials.

Myth #2: Water is a problem for wood.

One of the best known myths about wood and water is that wood swells when it comes in contact with water and shrinks when it dries. While it is true that wood can undergo dimensional changes due to water absorption, this process is reversible and does not always lead to significant deformation of the wood.

Rain is not necessarily a problem for houses built with wood, as long as adequate measures have been taken to protect the wood from moisture: use of sealants, waterproof coatings and/or pitched roofs.

Myth #3: Wood rots easily and does not last as long as other materials.

Wood can be susceptible to rot and insect damage if not properly treated. However, with proper treatment, it can last as long as other building materials and, in some cases, even longer. In addition, wood is renewable and can be recycled, making it a more sustainable option than other materials.

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Myth #4: Wood is not as strong as other building materials.

Wood is surprisingly strong and resilient, especially when compared to its weight. Wood is used in the construction of bridges, multi-story buildings and other important structures around the world because of its ability to support heavy loads and resist warping.

Myth #5: Wood is difficult to maintain and requires a lot of work.

It can be easy to maintain if proper precautions are taken. Properly treated wood can last a long time without major repairs. In addition, wood is often easier and less expensive to maintain than other building materials.

In conclusion, wood remains a popular and reliable deconstruction material because of its many advantages. Despite common myths, wood is flammable only if not treated properly, does not rot easily with proper treatment, is surprisingly strong and resilient, and can be easy to maintain if proper precautions are taken. So, if you are considering building with wood, don't get caught up in the myths and consider all the benefits this material can offer.

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Are you interested in building a passive wooden house?
schedule a video call