Architects specify wood for many reasons, including cost, ease and efficiency of construction, design versatility, and sustainability—as well as its beauty and the innate appeal of nature and natural materials. Innovative new technologies and building systems are also leading to the increased use of wood as a structural material, not only in houses, schools, and other traditional applications, but in larger, taller, and more visionary wood buildings.

maple and terry halls being build

Photo: Mithun Architects Inc., WG Clark Construction

Even as the use of wood is expanding, one significant characteristic of wood buildings is often underestimated: their durability. Misperceptions still exist that buildings made of materials such as concrete or steel last longer than buildings made of wood. This connection between materials and building will be discussed in this course.

Learning Objectives – After this course, you should be able to:

  1. Analyze factors contributing to the long-term durability of wood buildings.
  2. Implement effective design strategies for controlling moisture in wood buildings.
  3. Discuss comprehensive approaches for protecting wood buildings from insect damage.
  4. Determine effective quality control measures that will have significant positive long-term impact on building durability.

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