Are prefabricated wood frame walls ideal for building an energy-efficient home?

Wood is increasingly recognized as a building material with a lower environmental impact than other materials used to build structures. Unlike steel and concrete, wood absorbs carbon (partly responsible for global warming) and requires little energy to be transformed into lumber.

Too often, however, wood is not fully appreciated for its energy efficiency. Find out why prefabricated wood frame walls are ideal for building an energy-efficient home.

The insulating properties of wood used for prefabricated walls

Wood is a natural insulator due to the presence of tiny air pockets in its cellular structure. Studies have even confirmed that this renewable raw material is on average 15 times more insulating than masonry and 400 times more than steel.

In addition, wood is also hygroscopic, i.e. it has the ability to absorb moisture. A wood frame can therefore create a buffer in the event of rapid changes in humidity or temperature.

Thanks to this insulation performance, walls made of prefabricated wood panels are definitely a component that can promote energy savings. They are therefore ideal for building an energy-efficient house.

Prefabricated wood frame walls can be delivered pre-insulated

Most building professionals agree that an exterior wall should have certain features to be truly energy efficient. This is why many prefabricated wall panel manufacturers install them on their products during the factory manufacturing phase.

An air control layer, or air barrier membrane:

An air barrier membrane has the ability to slow the movement of air through the walls. It prevents heat loss and moisture damage due to condensation in the walls.

A thermal control layer, or insulation:

A layer of insulation such as fiberglass wool with a high R-value has the ability to slow the movement of heat from the inside out during the coldest months. It also helps prevent heat from penetrating the house in the summer.

A vapour control layer, or vapour barrier:

The purpose of a vapour barrier is to slow moisture diffusion through the walls, without preventing them from drying properly.

For an energy-efficient home, trust UsiHome’s prefabricated panel walls

In light of this information, you likely have a better understanding of why so many contractors choose to use prefabricated panel walls when they want to build an energy-efficient home.

UsiHome prefabricated panel walls are delivered to the location of your choice, easy to install and always machined with surgical precision. Our prefabricated walls can also include insulation to maximize their energy efficiency. We welcome you to contact one of our representatives to order yours!