Wood is a timeless material that has been used since ancient times. As a matter of fact it is the only renewable resource that has been around for as long as we can tell. Wood has a few distinctive features that make it the perfect choice for certain interior designs. However, why do we have to limit ourselves only to wooden furniture and flooring, when there is an exciting world of wooden beams, decorations, frames and many more elements to consider?
Although wood can be an excellent choice for certain buildings, there are a few things to take into consideration before deciding upon it. Here are the benefits and risks for using wood in your home.
- Wood has a Unique Appearance
No matter how hard you try, you could never mistake wood for other types of materials. Even plastic or composite materials that were designed to mimic the texture of wood, stand no chance to an untrained eye. The main reasons for which this material is hard to confuse, is because its texture is usually unpredictable. It develops according to the growth of the tree, and its lean fibers are usually one of a kind. Furthermore, if you apply a coat of glazing to it, it will look excellent and also be protected from external factors.
- It is Highly Resistant to Mechanical Factors
Wood is one of the most reliable materials for consolidating the structure of the house. It is true that it will not hold very well when applying force perpendicular to the fiber, but in most cases it will stoicly resist any shocks, weight or changes. You can rest assured that the vast majority of mechanical forces will not harm it, as long as it is protected from biological and chemical dangers.
- It is Vulnerable to Termite Attacks
Sadly, sometimes no matter how hard we try to keep pests away from it, wood can become the victim of termites. These little creatures have a soft spot for wood (they are actually considered the natural cleaners of the forest), and they easily eat away at your structure if you are not careful. In order to avoid this, you should schedule regular inspections, and put some of your home improvement funds away, in order to cover the termite bond cost.
A termite bond, is established between a pest control company and a home owner, and it ensures that your home will receive regular check-ups, to determine whether or not it is at risk. In most situations, it is better to be safe than sorry, because termites can turn your beams to dust in a matter of months.
- It Can be Protected from Chemical Agents
Wood is normally not highly resistant to fire, mold or any other substances of the sort. Furthermore, when exposed to high humidity, it chances its size, and becomes vulnerable. Manufacturers usually let it “dry up” in order to increase its mechanical resistance. Another viable practice of protecting wood is to apply protective outer layers to it.
- Technology has Made Wooden Structures More Reliable
Architecture and technology have significantly developed over the years, and it is now possible to associate wood with metal and other materials in order to increase its resistance. This is a great thing, because it means that you can use wood for exterior decks, and roofs, without having to worry about accidents.
Truth be told, wood can be either great or bad for your house. It is vital to understand its strengths and weaknesses before investing in it. If you don’t know what to do, you should consult with an expert.
