How does engineered wood help build highly energy-efficient homes?
In recent years, a growing number of buildings are constructed with the goal of minimizing the energy required to operate them and maximizing the comfort of their occupants. One example is the Eugene Kruger Pavilion at Laval University, an innovative construction project featuring the use of local wood in a unique geometric architecture.
Interestingly, engineered wood is often used in the construction of energy-efficient homes, buildings and other structures. But why is that? In this article, you will find everything you need to know!
What is the difference between engineered wood and standard lumber?
Structural engineered wood is more processed than traditional construction wood. In the process of its creation, natural wood defects, such as knots or cracks, are removed to keep the wood intact.
Afterwards, these parts are used in different wood reconstitution processes to create various building materials (such as glulam, cross-laminated timber, plywood, etc.) with better properties than standard solid wood. Some examples of structural engineered wood products would be machined roof trusses, open web floor joists or prefabricated walls.
An engineered wood frame for an energy-efficient building
In addition to being a sustainable building material, wood naturally has excellent energy-saving properties. Engineered wood is designed to further enhance these properties to optimize the performance of the material used in the construction of a residential or commercial building.
Advantages of engineered wood
For starters, the internal structure of engineered wood means that it naturally conducts less heat than other comparable materials, such as steel or concrete. This is because wood has a very good natural thermal efficiency. Its structure is made up of tiny air holes that help it resist heat flow.
In addition, engineered wood is known for its excellent ability to retain moisture in a home. In fact, wood is a hygroscopic material (capable of absorbing moisture), which prevents moisture from cooling your home and also helps you save on heating. Interestingly, this property of engineered wood makes it a great material for flooring. It is less likely than hardwood to shrink or move if exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations.
These properties are essential for building an energy-efficient home. Engineered wood limits temperature flow, allowing less energy to be used to heat the house in winter, or to power an air conditioner that constantly has to adapt to fluctuations to maintain the set temperature.
UsiHome manufactures engineered wood structures to build your energy-efficient home
In conclusion, engineered wood is designed to optimize the properties of traditional construction wood and make it more efficient, both in terms of strength and performance. It allows contractors to build highly energy-efficient homes thanks to its insulating structure and ability to absorb moisture. Not only can it be used to build the frame of a house, it is also an ideal floor covering to retain moisture from a basement.
At UsiHome, we specialize in the manufacturing of machined engineered wood structures. Get a free quote today to take advantage of exceptional service for your next construction project.
