Declining Wood Quality Makes Steel the Clear Choice as a Building Material

Strength, durability, longevity and low susceptibility to moisture are among the key benefits of choosing a steel building.

A century’s decline in quality of wood as a building material.

Over the last 40 years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the quality of wood as a building material. This decline can be attributed to several factors such as deforestation, changes in tree species availability, and increased demand for timber.

One of the main challenges with using wood for construction is its susceptibility to decay and rot. As the quality of wood has declined, it has become more prone to these issues, leading to decreased durability and lifespan of wooden structures.

In addition, the decrease in wood quality has resulted in an increased risk of structural failures. Weaker wood can lead to compromised structural integrity and potential safety hazards. The decline in wood quality has had a negative impact on the overall aesthetics of buildings. Lower-quality wood may have more knots, cracks, and other imperfections, which can affect the visual appeal of wooden structures.

Considering these factors, it is crucial to explore alternative building materials, like metal, that offer greater durability, strength, and longevity.

The image illustrates the degradation in wood quality as a building material over the last decade. Photo credit: The Craftsman Blog | www.facebook.com/Craftsmanblog

Challenges in Using Wood for Construction.

Using wood for construction presents several challenges that have become more prominent due to the decrease in wood quality.

One of the major challenges is the susceptibility of wood to moisture, making site selection a high priority when considering your building location. Wood absorbs water easily, which can lead to swelling, warping, and decay. This requires regular maintenance and treatment to prevent moisture-related issues. Another challenge is the limited availability of high-quality wood. As the demand for timber has increased, there has been a decrease in the availability of premium-grade wood. This has led to higher costs and the need to consider alternative materials.

Fire resistance is also a concern when using wood for construction. Wood is combustible and can contribute to the rapid spread of fires. This necessitates the implementation of fire safety measures and the use of fire-resistant coatings.

Another major challenge to consider; wood is vulnerable to insect infestations and fungal attacks. Insects like termites can cause significant damage to wooden structures, compromising their structural integrity. Proper pest control measures need to be taken to mitigate these risks.

Advantages of Building with Steel.

Building with steel offers numerous advantages over wood, especially considering the decline in wood quality.

One of the key advantages is the superior strength and durability of steel. Steel structures can withstand extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, and heavy loads, making them highly resilient. Steel is also a non-combustible material, providing excellent fire resistance. Unlike wood, it does not contribute to the spread of fires, enhancing the safety of buildings. Furthermore, steel is not susceptible to moisture damage, rot, or insect infestations. It does not require regular maintenance and is highly resistant to decay, ensuring the longevity of structures.

In terms of construction speed, steel offers significant advantages. Steel structures can be prefabricated off-site, reducing construction time and minimizing disruption in the surrounding areas. This makes steel an ideal choice for projects with tight deadlines. Our partner, Corra Construction, offers turnkey metal building construction services with industry leading speed and efficiency.

Steel is a sustainable material. It can be recycled and reused, reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimizing environmental impact. Considering these advantages, steel has become increasingly more popular in the construction industry as a reliable and efficient building material.

With the present and continuing trend of declining wood quality as a building material, steel emerges as the clear choice. Speak to one of our building experts and get the right steel building at the right price today.