MATERIALS
The main advantages of using a wood are:
a light specific weight (600-900 kg/m3) eliminating the necessity for deep and heavy foundations and resulting in considerably lower construction costs
a low thermal conductivity of wood (5 times lower than that of bricks) which reduces the thickness of enclosing structures
ecological properties, stable and favorable microclimate, low level of natural background radiation, positive biological impact on the human health as well as more intense air exchange in a wooden house with wood breathing through its pores
faster delivery times and possibility of carrying out construction work during the cold season
possibility of avoiding expensive exterior and interior finishes by using aesthetic properties of wood
a quick process of restoring a good indoor climate after a long absence
a wide range of architectural possibilities
constructability and ease of erection
It should be taken into consideration that choosing wood beam or log as construction material has several shortcomings such as shrinkage of wood causing settling and cracking in the structures, a high level of flammability, a shorter lifetime comparing to that of the brick buildings, etc.
It is possible to avoid these weak points by using Finnvilla glued laminated timber (glulam) which offers the following a dvantages:
Stable geometric sizes. Comparing to massive timber glued laminated timber does not change its shape and sizes over the course of time. Glued log settles very little (0,5% comparing to 7-10% for conventional log), does not twist or curve. This can be explained by the fact that a glued logs lacks internal pressure and it is produced from pre-dried raw materials (10-12% of moisture comparing to 30% in logs).
A complete absence of surface cracks. As wood has tendency to crack from the pith outwards Finnvilla glued log has external laminations with the pith side toward the outside. Therefore natural microcracks can occur only inside the log.
The strength. Glued structures are 50-70% stronger than those of massive wood thus allowing larger sizes for the load bearing framework, spans and window openings.
High thermal and technical properties of the house. In addition to naturally low thermal conductivity of wood the highest levels of accuracy in production of elements at the factory, a very tight connection between the beams, using finger joints, placing the flax slab between the logs, thermal shielding properties of adhesives as well as absence of cracks guarantee perfect thermal and wind insulation in your home.
Non-necessity of using exterior and interior finishes. Natural aesthetic beauty of wood texture is embodied in perfectly smooth and straight log. Finnvilla makes a wooden house look impressive without any additional finishing materials.
A long lifetime and a high level of resistance to biological destruction. Lifetime of a glued laminated log house can be several centuries. Absence of cracks and holes in the glued log prevents moisture from entering, resists insect or fungus attacks and promotes decay resistance. Wood texture has a great ability to absorb preservative liquids which increase the level of destruction resistance.
Construction time of a glued log house is considerably shorter than that of conventional timber house. All elements are manufactured with high accuracy in the factory conditions at a stable temperature and humidity, thus enabling an easy and rapid assembly of house structures with erection works no longer than 4-6 weeks when the foundation is ready.
High fire resistance (according to the research it corresponds to that of steel structures)
In these days, in wooden house building is constantly becoming more and more popular and this is not a coincidence because the Nature itself is offering us a perfect construction material demonstrating the excellent technical and performance characteristics.
Age-old traditions combined with modern technologies in design and architecture of the wooden houses perfectly match the mentality of customers. In addition to this, nowadays, it has become obvious that people tend to choose natural and environmentally safe products and this allows us to call wood with no hesitation a supreme construction material for building the house of your dreams.
