Both wood and concrete are often used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Wood is lighter, easier to work with, lasts longer, and has less thermal bridging. Concrete, on the other hand, enables the building of strong and robust homes.
To give you a background of which one fits best your needs, here’s rundown of the pros and cons of wood versus concrete, as well as the aspects to consider when choosing materials for your own home.
Maintenance
Wood needs a lot of upkeep, including treatments and repainting, because it is not water- and moisture-resistant, making it vulnerable to fungus infestations and wet rot. While concrete, has no nutritional value, they hold no particular appeal to termites in concrete. It’s not a material that termites seek out as a potential source of food.
Eco-friendly
Wood is a renewable resource since it can be grown and regrown. For every old tree removed, a new one can be planted. Wood can also be used to store carbon, which is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. When the wood is disposed of away, it swiftly decomposes and feeds the soil. Likewise, concrete, when cured, is inactive and emits no hazardous chemicals, volatile organic compounds, or fumes. Given this, concrete emits carbon at a 6% lower intensity than wood.
Energy efficiency
Wood is relatively energy efficient due to its capabilities as a heat barrier. As a result, it conserves heat in cold climates and reduces the need for air conditioning, which makes it not so ideal during the summer heat. On the other hand, concrete has the ability to hold thermal mass, which helps to moderate indoor temperatures and lower cooling and heating requirements.
Versatility
Wood has an appealing warmth and natural beauty. Wood was frequently used by architects to add decorative details to interior spaces and to improve the aesthetic appeal of outdoor structures. Hardwoods like maple, oak, teak, and mahogany are commonly used to build flooring, walls, and ceilings while softwoods like pine, birch, and hickory are good for building window frames, doors, and furniture. While concrete, when mixed, its fluidity enables designers to create a variety of surfaces, textures, and shapes. Concrete is also sturdy and functional once it has solidified.
Cost-effectiveness
Unlike concrete and steel, wood is cheap and easily accessible. Compared to the manufacturing of steel, the production of wastewater and environmental impact are less in the case of wood. However, concrete outlasts other materials and gets stronger with age. Because it bonds at low temperatures, it hardens and becomes stronger at normal room temperatures. It also maintains its strength regardless of the weather, which contributes to its long-term durability and affordability.
Always take into account the aforementioned elements while building a home, as well as your needs, lifestyle, and overall budget.
For more details and for your real estate needs, visit Elanvital Encalves or contact its sales at +63 9271440196.
