In this century, disinformation is disseminated to consumers about, for example, the use of wood vs. composites. We leave here some points as a basis for reflection so that each of us can think a little about the subject.
In our opinion there are several benefits to using responsibly sourced wood. Here are some benefits pointed out by some professionals we work with:
Wood is a natural product
- Wood undergoes a production process that requires low energy consumption and respects nature compared to other industrialized products;
- Commonly used wood is non-toxic, does not release odors or chemical vapors, and is therefore safe to touch and handle.
- When wood ages, it no longer performs its structural function, but it does not pose any danger to the environment as it is easily reconverted
It is renewable
We have been using wood as a raw material for thousands of years. However, this resource is still available and growing in new forest stands. As long as new trees are planted in a conscientious manner and without compromising natural resources, and those that have been felled are replaced, wood will continue to be available.
Trees are carbon stores
- Trees capture carbon from the atmosphere and release oxygen. By using wood, we are storing the carbon absorbed during the lifetime of the work or building in a solid state and, therefore, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere and aggravating the environmental problem of the greenhouse effect;
- Wood is the only building material that helps fight climate change. Removing carbon from the atmosphere is important, as well as reducing new carbon emissions going into the atmosphere. Wood achieves both.
It is an excellent insulator
Insulation is a very important aspect for reducing the energy used in the
building heating and air conditioning:
- Wood is a natural insulator due to the air pockets within its cellular structure;
- As an insulator, wood is 15 times better than masonry and concrete, 400 times better than steel, and 1,770 times better than aluminum;
- As an insulator, it can reduce the amount of energy needed to air-condition spaces, especially when used in windows, doors and floors;
- It presents good natural conditions of thermal insulation and acoustic absorption.
It is hard to work
- It is a very versatile raw material that can be used in a wide variety of ways and that complies with certain specific specifications, according to the intended application;
- Allows easy-to-perform connections and splices.
It is durable
Wood is resistant to heat, frost, corrosion and pollution. The only factor that needs to be controlled is exposure to the weather. When properly maintained, wood can last for hundreds of years.
It is safe
Wood does not rust. After being sawn, when used as a structure for a building, it functions as a pre-molded element, easy to assemble (light, soft), which has not gone through manufacturing processes that determine its resistance. What determines its resistance is only its species.
It is versatile
Wood can be produced in pieces with structural dimensions that can be quickly broken down into small pieces of exceptional delicacy.
It is good for health and well being
The increased use of wood has measurable physiological and psychological health benefits. Workers are less stressed and more productive, students learn better, patients heal faster, and people are generally happier and calmer in spaces that contain natural elements like wood.
Has physical-mechanical properties
- Wood was the first material used, capable of withstanding both compression and traction efforts;
- It has a low bulk mass and high mechanical strength;
- It may have the same compressive strength as reasonable strength concrete;
- Flexural strength can be about ten times greater than that of concrete, as well as shear strength;
- It does not crumble when subjected to sudden shocks that can damage other construction materials.
It is naturally beautiful
Wood is naturally beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. It is available in a wide range of colours, grains and textures, making the wood visually attractive and it is a very tactile product, being pleasant to the touch.
Is that you? Are you also a fan of wood like us?
Photo credits to: Wood's Shop