It smells, it soothes, it’s visually appealing, and we always want to be near it – it has only positive effects on us… While you might first think of your significant other, in our minds, it’s actually building with wood!
Wood is increasingly becoming the material of choice for many families. Let’s recall the numerous benefits that wood construction offers:
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Distinctly natural appearance
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Easy processing and subsequent remodeling
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Excellent thermal insulation
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Fire resistance, as its behavior is predictable
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Durability and long lifespan
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Earthquake safety
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Structural advantages: its low weight means easier transport and delivery to sites with limited access, while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.
The Impact of Wood on Well-being
Let’s take a look at certain factors we already know, along with some others that consciously or unconsciously affect our well-being.
Did you know that wood has the ability to release heat at night and accumulate it during the day? This power is called natural insulation. For this reason, building with wood is recommended not only in cold climates but also in hot ones. It ensures we feel comfortable in our little home, and the temperature of the room certainly plays a significant role.
But it’s not just a thermal insulator – it’s also an acoustic insulator. The sound reflected off wood is softer and affects our senses differently than other materials (such as concrete or steel). It is also suitable for sound insulation that requires a more complex approach.
Wood has the function of naturally regulating humidity, absorbing and releasing moisture. Balanced humidity in a room ensures a healthy living environment.
What Do Wood Construction and Chemistry Have in Common?
Strict control! In wood processing and treatment technologies, the use of adhesives, paints, varnishes, and other additives is necessary, just like in other materials, but to a much lesser extent. These improve the wood’s durability and water resistance. Wood construction requires protective treatments, but it is important to emphasize that their use is carried out under strict supervision and always in accordance with relevant European and national regulations.
One chemical is particularly characteristic of wood, and that is formaldehyde. But don’t worry: this simple organic chemical is present in most life forms, even in humans. It is emitted by wood, which is why some, without sufficient knowledge, may have reservations.
What Does the World Health Organization Think?
Let’s share some facts: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting formaldehyde concentration in indoor air to a maximum of 0.1 mg per cubic meter. Studies confirm that the levels in most European homes reach barely a third of the recommended value.
Of course, the limiting value is also considered in wood construction, which is directly linked to WHO recommendations in European standards: emissions are well below the recommendations. The limited use of formaldehyde allows for the production of high-quality wood products at low costs.
Wood Construction: What Facts Have Convinced Us?
To conclude: wood is by far the most ecological of construction materials, while also allowing for a healthy, comfortable living environment in your modern home. The benefits are immense, and so are the families and individuals who recognize that building with wood is a step in the right direction.
