The Advantages of Wooden Houses Over Brick Houses
The choice between wooden and brick houses ultimately depends on various factors such as location, type of construction, and environmental concerns. While brick houses are popular in regions where wooden resources are scarce, wooden houses have their unique advantages. This article will explore why wooden houses are often a preferred choice over brick houses.
Factors Influencing Structural Material Choice
When choosing the type of structural material for a building, several factors come into play, including the location and intended use of the construction. In North America, stick frame wood construction is very common for residential buildings, whereas commercial and institutional buildings tend to be built with concrete and steel. In regions where wood is less available, other materials like brick are used.
Cost and Efficiency
Wood is generally cheaper and enables faster construction. In the United States, most modern brick homes are actually brick facades, not structural elements. True brick houses often use two feet thick brick walls at the base, which can be much thicker than at the top. In one instance, a house with real brick was rated as a tornado shelter, showcasing the structural strength of brick houses.
Environmental and Sustainability Factors
Wooden houses offer numerous environmental and sustainability advantages. First and foremost, wood is a more sustainable and eco-friendly material than brick. Building with wood requires less energy and has a lower environmental impact, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, wooden houses are known for their ability to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling systems. Wooden houses also require less maintenance compared to brick houses.
Resilience in Earthquakes
The resilience of wooden houses during earthquakes is a critical factor. In regions prone to earthquakes, wooden houses perform better because wood flexes without breaking, whereas brick houses, which are brittle, are more likely to collapse. This collapse can potentially result in structural failure and loss of life. In the U.S. Southwest, for instance, wooden houses are preferred due to their flexibility and resilience.
Availablity and Cost of Materials in the U.S.
Wooden houses are advantageous in the U.S. because of the abundance of wood resources. Southern yellow pine, a fast-growing pine species, is commonly used for dimensional lumber. This wood is cheap, making it more affordable than masonry materials like concrete masonry units (CMUs). The ease of availability of standardized wood sizes and the simplicity of construction make building with wood cost-effective and efficient.
Working with wood is also straightforward, with carpenters being easier to train compared to brick masons. Carpentry involves fewer complex techniques, making it simpler to build, repair, modify, and expand wooden structures. Furthermore, the ease of acquiring necessary materials like nails ensures that construction can proceed without disruptions.
The widespread use of wood in construction also extends to financing and insurance. Banks and underwriters are more comfortable with loaning on and insuring wooden constructions, which further encourages the adoption of wooden houses.
To sum up, while brick houses have their merits, wooden houses offer numerous advantages in terms of cost, environmental impact, resilience in earthquakes, and ease of construction. The choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and conditions of the region and the intended use of the building.