In recent years, the popularity of wooden houses has increased significantly. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the attractive appearance and unique architecture that reflects the history of ancient Russian architecture. However, before deciding to build this type of house, it is important to understand the intricacies of the construction process through the Dalili Medical website, as well as the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of a wooden house.

**Wooden vs. Concrete Houses: Which is Safer?**

 

When we talk about safety, which is a very important issue, we find that wooden structures are not as safe as concrete structures. Wood is more susceptible to external influences such as fire, wind, moisture, insects, and mold, which can cause serious damage to the building and increase security risks. On the other hand, concrete is a strong and durable material, but it carries some safety risks. For example, if a tall concrete structure collapses, the falling parts may injure people nearby or inside the house. Concrete buildings are characterized by solidity, but in the event of an earthquake, they may fail if they are not designed properly. Therefore, in earthquake-prone areas, it is advisable to use stabilizers to counteract wind forces. As for wood, it adapts well to earthquakes due to its light weight compared to concrete.

**What are the benefits of wood?**

 

Wood has positive effects on health and well-being, as the natural patterns and textures of wood can evoke a feeling of warmth and comfort. This feeling contributes to reducing stress and increasing positive social interactions, as the presence of wood in the home can have a calming effect on the mind and body.

**What are the most important features of wood?**

 

- **Durability** Wood is a strong material that is widely used in the construction of homes, buildings and shops around the world. Wood contains preservatives that enhance its natural durability, and if well cared for, it can last for centuries. In addition, the durability of wood varies according to its type, as there are many types of wood

**- Strength** Wood is a strong material that has been used for thousands of years to support structures in buildings of various sizes.

**- Wood is environmentally friendly and helps combat climate change**Among the many advantages of wood, its positive impact on the environment stands out, as it helps combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Trees and wood products have the ability to store carbon, which helps reduce its amount in the atmosphere. When trees are harvested and turned into wood products, the carbon that was absorbed during the growth of the tree remains stored within the wood. In fact, carbon makes up about 50% of the dry weight of wood, and the process of producing and processing wood is highly energy efficient. This means that wood products have a very low carbon footprint compared to other materials that must be extracted, and wood can often be an alternative to materials such as steel and aluminum that require large amounts of energy to produce. ** Wood is good for health and well-being** Research has shown that the increased use of wood has measurable physiological and psychological health benefits, and increases interactions between people. People are generally happier and calmer in spaces that contain natural elements, such as wood, because natural materials, such as wood, are an excellent way to add health-promoting materials to a building.

** Wood is a renewable resource** Unlike extracted resources that run out over time, forests grow again, providing an endless supply of wood that stores carbon, generates oxygen, and is naturally habitable for all creatures.

** Wood use promotes local forests and jobs** The growing demand for responsibly sourced wood products can be met by expanding forestry practices and well-managed plantations on marginal or reclaimed lands. By managing this growing demand and ensuring that wood farming is sustainable, local industry is supported. Since woodwork is often done on-site or manufactured locally, choosing wood for construction projects reflects support for local jobs and the local economy.

**Wood is a natural insulator** Wood is a natural insulator due to the air pockets within its structure. When properly designed, it is an ideal insulator for a variety of projects. This is one of the unique advantages of wood, as it helps reduce heating and cooling costs in buildings. This is due to wood’s ability to exchange moisture with the surrounding air, providing protection against rapid changes in humidity and temperature.

**Wood is fast and efficient in construction** Whether for interior furnishings, cladding, or other uses, wood is a well-known and time-tested building material that can be molded to desired dimensions and structures.

**Wood is a reasonable economical choice** Comparative studies of building economics have shown that wood panels are consistently the most cost-effective option when looking at direct costs. Wood also requires significantly less energy to produce and process than most other building materials.

**Wood has a natural beauty** Wood is visually appealing, and woodwork is an art and a beauty. It is not only a practical building material, but also a modern design option for any project. In addition, wood is a versatile, recyclable, renewable and long-lasting material.

**Necessary tools for building wooden houses:**

 

Before starting to prepare the necessary tools, we must take into account that building wooden houses requires a carefully thought-out plan. This includes determining the exact location of the building, the area ofThe soil, the type of wood used, and the required amount of other building materials. All of these elements contribute to ensuring that the house is built on a solid foundation. Among these foundations are the tools used, which are as follows:

1. Suitable wood according to the area.

2. A saw to cut the wood.

3. An iron hammer.

4. Cement to form the structure.

5. Drilling tools.

6. Strong glue or liquid adhesive to close the openings.

**How ​​to build wooden houses:**

 

1. Start by digging the foundations by creating a square hole that resembles a trench, to be the base of the house. This hole should not be deep, and its width should be proportional to the width of the room, which should range between 1 to 2 feet.

2. Build the walls by placing the wooden boards in the hole lengthwise, leaving a rectangular space on one side to be the door entrance.

3. Next, fill the hole with cement, making sure that the boards are firm and not tilted, then leave the cement to dry.

4. Install four wooden boards horizontally, so that each board is placed on each of the four walls, using nails.

5. Make sure to cover the ends of the nails on the walls, then bend them using an iron hammer.

6. To build the roof, place the wooden boards on it so that the beginning of the house reaches its end. Fix the boards to the walls by placing a wooden board at a different angle from the direction of the roof boards, and fix it with nails.

7. Create a door for the house by placing a wide wooden board to close the door opening, or you can make another door, as it does not have to be made of wood, but it depends on what you prefer.

Finally, design a window for the house. To choose the location of the window, select one of the walls on which you want to install the window, then make a large square-shaped opening. After that, place the glass panels in that opening, and make an external frame using wood to fix the glass window.

What are the benefits of wooden houses?

 

Wooden houses have many attractive features. Although many people consider them a short-term escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, these houses are not just vacation spots. In fact, after spending a few days in a wooden house, many people choose to settle in it for the rest of their lives and look for other wooden houses. Let's review some of the beneficial features of wooden houses that impress many.

**Improved air quality**

Wooden houses remain alive and have a breathable structure thanks to the trees they are made of. Therefore, people who live in wooden houses suffer from fewer health problems, such as rheumatism, asthma, circulatory disorders and kidney diseases, which contributes positively to improving the health of those suffering from these diseases.

**Earthquake resistance** Earthquake experts have determined that wooden houses are among the most earthquake-resistant structures in the world. When the earthquake intensity is high, concrete structures are not repaired, while wooden houses can be repaired and restored if damaged. Since Istanbul is frequently exposed to earthquakes, many people are looking for an alternative to high-rise buildings made of reinforced concrete in the city center. Among the available options, we see that building wooden houses is the most suitable choice. Building a wooden house in the outdoor areas, which may be especially convenient for people who work from home, can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of a major earthquake.

**Fire Resistance** Wooden houses are highly fire resistant compared to steel and concrete houses, despite popular perception. Many of the world's best architects prefer to use wooden structures instead of steel. Tree houses are treated to protect them from damage caused by external factors such as mold, odor and fire. In contrast, steel structures melt when exposed to temperatures of up to 600 degrees Celsius, causing the roof to collapse in just fifteen minutes in the event of a major fire, endangering the lives of people inside the building. While it can take up to an hour for a wooden building to collapse. So, we can conclude that wooden houses offer a higher level of durability and safety in case of fire compared to steel or stone houses.

**More sustainable** One can easily notice the use of environmentally friendly, renewable and non-polluting materials in the construction of wooden houses. Wood has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide, which is a widely known fact. Therefore, wooden houses have the lowest carbon footprint. However, some may think that to build this type of house, trees must be cut down, which is harmful to the environment if done excessively. It is important to emphasize that all trees cut down during the construction process must be replaced with new trees.

**Types of wood used in the construction of a log house**

 

**Sawn timber** Sawn timber is one of the easiest types of wood to produce, as it is obtained by sawing logs, by removing the veneer from four sides. This method is characterized by simplicity, which contributes to reducing the cost of the material. Sawn timber is used as beams made from raw or partially dried logs. Before being used in construction, they can be dried, but they can also be used in their raw state, where they are dried as part of the log house building process, which helps to avoid distortions caused by the weight of the elements. Sawn timber can be subjected to further processing, such as planing the sides, which makes them even in width and provides smooth surfaces ready for final finishing.

**High-rise timber** The main advantage of sawn timber is its low cost. In addition, it provides walls with a flat surface compared to building houses using logs.

The disadvantages of sawn timber are due to the lowThe level of material processing, the most notable of which are:

- Significant shrinkage in a log house.

- Relatively high labor costs for sealing gaps and subsequent maintenance of seals.

- Possibility of water seepage into the inner layers.

- Tendency to bend.

**Profile beam**  Bars with a special cross-section are formed by the milling process. Usually dried bars with a natural moisture content of about 20% are used, but drier materials can also be used. The cross-section of the profile beam has several unique features. The side surfaces are smooth with homogeneous corners, which contributes to the formation of a stable structure of the log wall. The upper and lower surfaces have a special design that forms a lock that fixes adjacent elements and helps to seal the seams. The complexity of the design can vary greatly between manufacturers. The design of the edges of the sections also prevents water from seeping into the gaps.

**A quick look at the advantages of timber:**

- Tight fixation of the crowns when assembling log houses.

- Reliable and low-cost sealing.

- Effective protection against shocks.

- Reduced shrinkage, which usually does not exceed 5%.

- Smooth surface requiring minimal finishing.

**Disadvantages of sawn timber:**

- High cost.

- Common movement due to humidity changes, including seasonal changes.

**Glued beam** Glued timber is produced by gluing 3 to 8 sheet plates together, creating a multi-directional structure. In this process, well-dried materials and modern adhesives are used that ensure high bond strength. After gluing, the beam is shaped into the desired shape.

**Glued beam** The natural restrictions regarding the thickness and length of the parts are removed, as the length of the beam can reach 20 meters, which is difficult to achieve with solid wood.

Thanks to the combination of sheets with a different arrangement of annual layers into a single "package", possible deformations caused by humidity changes are compensated for. Glued timber is almost not subject to deformation.

The shrinkage of the log from glued beams ranges from 1-3%, which helps speed up the construction process.

The walls are smooth with smooth surfaces.

What are the disadvantages of log homes?

 

Like any other type of housing, log homes are not perfect. They have advantages and disadvantages. Let's review some of the disadvantages associated with living in a log home.

**Maintenance Need** A weak exterior facade or insufficient sealing between logs may require major renovations in the future. This can be inconvenient, although it is not directly related to the wood itself. In addition, wood requires annual maintenance to ensure the structure is durable and usable for many years.

**Fire Risk** Wood is a highly flammable material, making log homes more vulnerable to fires than homes made of non-combustible materials such as concrete or steel. However, fire safety standards for log homes have improved significantly thanks to modern codes and fire-resistant treatments.

**Exposure to Bugs and Harsh Weather** Wood can be damaged by insect attacks such as termites and carpenter ants. If left untreated or unattended, these insects can cause significant damage to the wooden structure, making it a nightmare for residents. Additionally, exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and high temperatures, can cause wood to deteriorate over time, causing it to warp, split, and deteriorate in a variety of ways.

**How ​​to Treat Wood?**

 

Problems such as wood rot, mold, or termite infestation can affect a building if the wood is not treated and maintained properly. So, what are the ways you can prevent and address these problems?

**Hire a Professional:** The company that built your home can be your best ally in maintaining it. If you don’t have enough experience in treating and maintaining wood, it’s best to seek the help of a professional to accurately diagnose the problems and then fix them. Although this service may require a cost, technical knowledge makes a big difference, as these professionals know the right products to use and those to avoid.

**Pest Control:** To check if termites have attacked the wood, tap it with your fingers. If the sound is hollow, this indicates a problem. In this case, head to a building supplies store such as AKI, Leroy Merlin or Maxmat, and look for products specifically designed for pest control. There are a variety of options available. If you are unsure of the right product, do not hesitate to ask the store staff for advice. When using the product, make sure to protect your hands, eyes and respiratory system, and it is preferable not to stay indoors for 24 hours after application, unless the product states otherwise.

**Paint:** In addition to insects, wood can be affected by fungi. If fungi infect, for example, a support beam, the entire structure is at risk. This is a problem that should be taken seriously, so we recommend applying a layer of varnish to the wood every three years. Varnish helps prevent fungi, water accumulation and surface erosion due to weather conditions.

**Additional suggestions:** If you have cracks in the wood, this means that heat has caused it to expand. In this case, you should use silicone to prevent water leakage. Do you have a weed problem?