10 Advantages to Wood Construction

Commercial building materials are constantly being improved by advances in science and technology. The world’s tallest buildings are constructed with the best steel based on high tech computer designs, but what about the vast majority of commercial buildings ranging from one to three stories in height? These buildings can be constructed of stone, steel, masonry units or wood. Many factors such as economics, climate, building codes, geography and availability influence the choice of building materials. Here are 10 advantages for choosing good old fashioned wood for both structural support and as a finished material.

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1. Wood is an excellent insulation, saving energy. Compared to steel or stone materials, wood transfers heat at a drastically slower rate. For example, stone transfers heat 90 times faster and steel is 1650 times faster. In addition, as non organic materials heat and cool they expand and contract causing structural problems. Wood keeps its shape as long as it does not reach a combustible temperature.
2.  Fast construction. Wood is light compared to stone or steel making it easy for construction workers to carry. It is also a soft material so common hand tools can be used to cut and shape the pieces on site.
3. Environmentally friendly. Buildings constructed of wood are sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly. Carbon emissions created by wood production is less than both steel and other non-organic material. In addition, regulation in the United States require three trees to be planted for every one cut, producing more carbon dioxide eating trees.
4.  Aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Structurally or as a finish material, wood is very pleasing to the eye. There are over 5,000 varieties of woods to choose from with numerous ways to be finished. Structurally rough sawn beams and glued laminated beams are considered “rustic” and very desirable.
5.   Maintenance. Once wood is installed it is easier to maintain and repair. Fixes compared to steel, stone or masonry can usually be handled by a couple of people, can be completed quickly and be relatively inexpensive. 
6. Light, flexible and safe. There are times when building materials need to be flexible. In cases of high winds or earthquakes wood has the properties making it flexible and “giving” instead of being rigid that can damage a building.
7. Water Resistance. Typically wood absorbs water, but depending on the circumstances there are woods that are water resistant. Western cedar is an  example.
8. Health. Rooms coated in unfinished wood regulates humidity. This helps people with respiratory sensitivities.
9. Acoustic. Wood has the ability to absorb sound waves preventing echoes from bouncing around rooms. Many concert halls use it as it naturally dampens sound and many people find it more visually appealing over the non- organic alternatives.
10. Demolition. At some point, all buildings outlive their usefulness and are abandoned or demolished. Wood buildings are much easier and inexpensive to demolish over steel, stone or masonry.
11. The building industry in the Las Vegas Valley is heating up again. Any person interested in a build to suit or joint venture partnership on a commercial construction building should contact the professionals at First Federal Realty DeSimone at 702 990-8660.
    

The building industry in the Las Vegas Valley is heating up again. Any person interested in a build to suit or joint venture partnership on a commercial construction building should contact the professionals at First Federal Realty DeSimone at 702 990-8660.