Facts about using Wood for Building Materials

4/9/18, 7:19 AM

From www.hardwoodinfo.com:

“Everything has to be made of something. And it turns out that wood stacks up quite well to competing materials. Discover the many benefits of using wood for construction and packaging products.” Because according to those in-the-know, Wood Is the New Green.

“Buildings in the U.S. account for more than70% of the nation’s energy consumption and 39% of CO2 emissions. (Source: U.S. Green Building Council)
In the U.S., forests and forest products store enough carbon each year to offset approximately 10% of the nation’s CO2 emissions. (Source: U.S. Congress)
On average, North American wood producers use 98% of every tree brought to a mill for processing. (Source: reThink Wood)
Wood products make up 47% of all industrial raw materials manufactured in the U.S., yet consume only 4% of the total energy needed to manufacture ALL industrial raw materials. (Source: APA – The Engineered Wood Association)
Using wood substitutes could save 14-31% of global CO2 emissions and 12-19% of fossil fuel consumption. (Source: Journal of Sustainable Forestry) “

And the eye opening news regarding FIRE RESISTANCE is this:
“Timber does not ignite until it reaches more than 480°F. When it catches fire, it develops a protective char layer. Large timber beams have better fire resistance than unprotected steel beams of similar size because the interior of timber remains much cooler.

Average building fires reach temperatures of 1,300°F to 1,800°F. While timber stays strong, steel weakens as its temperature exceeds 450°F. At 1,400°F, steel retains only 10% of its strength.” (Source: National Fire Protection Association)