Structural timber is an ideal material for house frames. Here are several of its benefits.
Strong and Resilient
A benefit of using structural timber for house frames is that it has high strength for its weight. This means it is strong enough to support the roof and walls without adding excessive weight to the building and threatening its structural integrity. The strength of timber can be further increased with laminated products made from slices of wood glued together with the grains at right angles.
Additionally, the timber used for house frames is resilient, can resist pests, and can handle different environments. Some types of pine structural timbers are treated to make them more resilient, while some hardwood timbers are naturally resistant to threats such as termites.
Sustainable
Another benefit of using structural timber for house frames is that it's sustainable, depending on where the wood originates. Trees are managed in forests specifically grown to produce wood, including fast-growing pine species. Thus, it is a renewable resource.
Another benefit of using wood is that it can lower a house's carbon footprint. Less energy is used to produce timber products than some alternate materials, and this helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of a building.
Energy Efficient
Timber also helps with the energy efficiency of a building as it has a low thermal conductivity, meaning it doesn't conduct heat efficiently. Thus, a timber frame doesn't create thermal bridges that allow heat to move in and out of a house. This makes the building more energy efficient overall, as it needs less heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Additionally, wood is a breathable material, allowing any condensation that forms in a house to escape, thus lessening mould and mildew growth. Breathable substances also allow for better air circulation as they don't block airflow.
Versatile
Additionally, structural timber is a versatile design material that can contribute to a building's style. For example, wooden roof trusses on a cathedral ceiling can be left exposed to add to the aesthetics of a house. Timber-laminated products can be left exposed in other structures to add to the design aesthetic.
Timber Choices
Another benefit of using structural timbers for house frames is that you have a choice of different woods that have varied characteristics, and you can choose the most suitable. Radiata pine is one species grown in forests; various other species are also available. The timbers are cut in diverse sizes and undergo different treatments, offering choices in structural wood products.
For more information on structural timber, contact a professional near you.
