Timber is widely recognised as being a sustainable, durable and adaptable material for use in the construction industry.
Yet, as with so many things, there are a number of myths which surround the use of timber frame construction in creating new buildings. Let’s put these right by separating facts from fiction.
Timber is a Fire Risk
Most of us know wood is flammable, but it’s a myth that timber frame construction is too. In fact, modern timber frames are treated to be highly fire retardant, even outperforming comparable materials, according to Travis Perkins.
Timber Wastes Energy
Another myth suggests that timber is not energy efficient: in fact, it is excellent at keeping heat in and reducing energy consumption, thanks to accurate airtightness.
It’s Costly
In fact, timber frames can actually be a highly cost effective choice in the construction industry, particularly since installation is often quick and easy, reducing labour costs.
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Timber Isn’t Durable
Timber used in construction is engineered and treated to become as durable, if not more so, than competing materials. While modern timber use only improves its quality, there are many timber buildings that have stood for decades.
Timber Isn’t for Commercial Buildings
Yet another myth says timber is only for residential buildings, but it can be a great choice in commercial buildings too, thanks to its sustainability and durability.
Engineered timber and taller buildings
Timber is one of the oldest construction materials, but architects are celebrating a revival because of its sustainability. Concrete and steel have a large footprint and need a great deal of energy to produce, which has put pressure on builders to look again at wood from sustainable forests.
Treated, industrially dried softwoods such as pine, larch and spruce are far stronger and more stable than ordinary timber, and improved fire resistance and durability mean wood can now be used to build bigger and higher. Brock Commons, an 18-storey student residence at the University of British Columbia, was built with cross-laminated timber. Its prefabricated parts were joined on site, and it was finished four months sooner than an equivalent steel and concrete building, and similar projects have followed in European cities.
In towns and suburbs, many projects now combine engineered timber with traditional materials. These hybrid systems make timber more acceptable to people who doubt building with wood alone, while keeping much of its environmental benefit.