When one is in the process of considering how one should build a multifamily property, which is by no means a small building project, one must consider how the property should be framed.
We can thank structural engineering for being the very reason for which we, as humans, have managed to build such a great number of strong and sturdy buildings that have been able to withstand the difficult test of time. Structural engineering is crucial in forming a strong understanding of how a building can be built to be strong and stable, and how a building would react to the surroundings, along with other external factors.
Humanity has been building structures for hundreds of years, and structural engineers have made use of a wide range of materials, from steel beams to adobe bricks. However, there is one specific material that has been proven to be highly advantageous for many building projects. This material is wood. Wood framing is one of the most widely used materials that are used to frame building projects such as small commercial developments, homes, and multifamily properties.
So, let us get into the numerous reasons for which wood framing for multifamily properties truly is the way to go.
Wood Framing Is Renewable
Wood is the only building material that is a renewable resource, and therefore, wood would be the best and most sensible choice for builders who would like to take steps to care for the health of the environment and the world in general. Wood requires much less energy to be extracted, manufactured and transported, and this material gives off much lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to both concrete and steel.
In addition, planting new trees to replace the ones that have been used in the process of framing would help in the fight against climate change. This is due to the natural ability of the tree to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, in a process that is referred to as photosynthesis.
Wood Framing Provides Better Insulation
Wood is capable of offering much greater levels of thermal resistivity in comparison to other materials for framing, providing about four times more thermal resistivity in comparison to both masonry and steel. Therefore, wood framing is much more efficient in terms of energy savings and usage in the building process. This is the case because of wood’s unique cellular structure, which contains air pockets within it. This high thermal resistivity would be particularly useful in colder winter climates.
Wood Framing Is Easy to Use
Wood requires less technical skills and fewer certifications in comparison with other building materials like steel and concrete. In addition, wood does not require welding or any other specialized technique that would extend the timeline of a project or increase the budget of a project. Finally, wood is very easily maintained and can be effortlessly repaired as it gets older, and it may be exposed and finished, which adds to the aesthetic value of the building.
