avoiding timber during your construction project

Wood is an important material in any construction project, since it is durable, plentiful, and it can easily be cut into various sizes and lengths. It can also provide several benefits, which include: sound isolation, thermal elasticity, resistance to any electrical charges, and oxidation, and it is easy to maintain and repair.

Although timber can be one of the best materials in any construction project, especially in the framing of residential housing, it also has several structural disadvantages, which in turn can significantly affect any type of construction. In fact, timber or wood is known to swell, shrink, and deteriorate when exposed to certain types of conditions like extreme temperatures. It can also produce fungi or biological diseases if not properly treated.

Most importantly, timber is prone to the elements and can be damaged by insects, termites, and moisture. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to timber in the market, and it these alternatives can mitigate the disadvantages of wood.

The following building materials can be used instead of timber:

• Wood composites

This type of material is manufactured using recycled plastic and wood, and is stronger compared to conventional wood. Wood composites is also a lot cheaper and it doesn’t need any finishing. You also take advantage of its durability and is immune to stain, fire and heat, so it provides you with an extra layer of protection for your home.

• Bamboo

Bamboo is comparable to wood in many ways and is considered a natural raw material. However, bamboo is so elastic and has incredible capacity to absorb energy, which means it can bend and twist without being damaged, so it is ideal for seismic-resistant constructions for areas with frequent seismic activity. Also, bamboo is easy to cut, repair and handle, and is light despite its strength.

• Hemp

Hemp is now being used as a viable building material due to its capacity to grow even without pesticides and herbicides. It can also be used in nearly everything you can think of like fuel, concrete, fuel, cloth, was, rope, resin, and paper. Hemp is also the most productive fibres since it can generate up to 25 tons of construction-grade fibre per acre, so it’s a more viable construction material as compared to timber.

• Stone

Stone is an ancient building material and has been used in the construction of castles and houses before, so it is the most popular material used in Medieval Europe. Although stone is still used today due to its wonderful insulation properties, which prove useful during the hot weather season. Stone is also durable and heavy material that can withstand any biological elements like mould.

• Concrete

Concrete is the most commonly used man-made material on earth and is extensively used in various building projects including driveways, concrete slabs and footings. It’s highly malleable and easily be mould to any shape, which means it can also mimic wood or timber. However, it is more durable and more comfortable to maintain than timber, so it’s a viable alternative to wood.