Light Frame Wood Construction

Wood light frame construction is the most flexible of all building systems. It has been used to construct buildings in styles ranging from reinterpretations of nearly all the historical fashions to many expressions of twentieth century architecture. It is the common currency of residential and light commercial buildings across North America.

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Reasoning

Safety

Wood light frame construction is made mainly from untreatable lumber and would be very combustible in the case of a fire.

Seismic

Wood light frame construction has led through sinister logic to the creation of countless horrors in zones of high seismic risk. Although if constructed properly, light frame construction can resist some shear or dynamic loads, loading under its limitations in an assembly plant, it would crumble.

Flexibility

There is scarcely a shape wood light frame construction cannot be used to construct, from a plain rectangular box to cylindrical towers or to complex folding of sloping roofs with dormers of every prescription.

Durability

Like that of heavy timber framing, if properly cared for, light frame construction can be very durable. However the life span of a structure constructed of wood, is relatively minuscule to that of one constructed with concrete or masonry.

Strength

Although framed regularly and if fastened properly, wood light frame walls can be very strong. However, when carrying such roof loads from a large span industrial plant, wood light frame construction will find itself very unsuitable.

Cost

Wood light frame construction is known for its great economic value. Its materials are very abundant, easily obtained, and there is a small amount of labor needed for construction

Aesthetics

Wood light frame construction is aesthetically very unappealing. However, it is only frame construction, like that of heavy timber and steel, and can be covered with a number of wall coverings that will give a very aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Advantages

Wood Light Frame buildings are constructed easily and swiftly with a minimum of tools and labor. The wood materials used are relatively small and can be easily handled by any contractor. Because of its open frame construction, openings can be easily located and constructed.

Disadvantages

If ignited, wood light frame construction burns rapidly. If exposed to dampness it decays. It expands and contracts significant amounts in response to changes in humidity.