Certainly, this discussion has probably come up once or twice before – but now, in 2015, how does the technology really stand?
I want to exclude soundproofing from this discussion, since we are building in a very quiet residential area, as are most such areas. The special case of building a house near a flight path, on a main road, or similar, I don’t want to discuss here, especially since a double or triple-layered wall also provides some sound insulation (actually quite good).
I have always had concerns about mold, but on the other hand, where would the moisture come from? In the case of a pipe leak and significant moisture damage, sources suggest that solid/concrete houses have worse problems than timber structures. The procedure here is to remove drywall, dispose of insulation in the affected area, allow it to dry for a week (using controlled mechanical ventilation with professional equipment), then install new insulation, close it up, and it’s done.
Normally, without a pipe break, moisture shouldn’t actually penetrate, right? Just like with solid construction, only the first few millimeters of the wall serve as a moisture buffer. It is well known that there is no “breathing wall.”
Regarding summer heat protection, I have experienced that even shaded solid model homes can become quite warm over the weekend. The two types of houses don’t differ much in this respect. I have even read that the heat cannot be released from the masonry at night, whereas in a timber house with low thermal mass, you can ventilate and thus lower the temperature, or use a brine-earth heat exchanger with the controlled mechanical ventilation system to achieve comfortable temperatures.
How does durability compare? Why is it said that timber houses don’t last as long, and what would be a realistic lifespan?
What are the real disadvantages of modern timber frame prefabricated houses from established manufacturers (Bien-Zenker, Weberhaus)? I am not referring to those from Poland or the Hunsrück region.
I want to exclude soundproofing from this discussion, since we are building in a very quiet residential area, as are most such areas. The special case of building a house near a flight path, on a main road, or similar, I don’t want to discuss here, especially since a double or triple-layered wall also provides some sound insulation (actually quite good).
I have always had concerns about mold, but on the other hand, where would the moisture come from? In the case of a pipe leak and significant moisture damage, sources suggest that solid/concrete houses have worse problems than timber structures. The procedure here is to remove drywall, dispose of insulation in the affected area, allow it to dry for a week (using controlled mechanical ventilation with professional equipment), then install new insulation, close it up, and it’s done.
Normally, without a pipe break, moisture shouldn’t actually penetrate, right? Just like with solid construction, only the first few millimeters of the wall serve as a moisture buffer. It is well known that there is no “breathing wall.”
Regarding summer heat protection, I have experienced that even shaded solid model homes can become quite warm over the weekend. The two types of houses don’t differ much in this respect. I have even read that the heat cannot be released from the masonry at night, whereas in a timber house with low thermal mass, you can ventilate and thus lower the temperature, or use a brine-earth heat exchanger with the controlled mechanical ventilation system to achieve comfortable temperatures.
How does durability compare? Why is it said that timber houses don’t last as long, and what would be a realistic lifespan?
What are the real disadvantages of modern timber frame prefabricated houses from established manufacturers (Bien-Zenker, Weberhaus)? I am not referring to those from Poland or the Hunsrück region.
Well... I need to be sure about every single building component, since if everything goes well, we plan to live in the house for well over 50 years (we are in our late 20s). According to some opinions, 50 years is already approaching the statistical lifespan of timber constructions. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to move into a solid brick house from the 1980s either. With the mechanical ventilation system, which is a different matter, it’s similar. Will the ductwork last 50–70 years? Or the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS)? On the other hand, monolithic walls also have their disadvantages...
B
Bauexperte24 Jul 2015 10:25Grym schrieb:
Well... I need to be sure about every single building component,Then before you even think about building a house, you should complete an architecture degree, ideally supplemented by structural engineering. Because if you continue as you present yourself here, even the most patient architect, construction supervisor, or general contractor will likely dismiss you from the site; at best, they will ignore your calls.Grym schrieb:
... I want to live in the house for well over 50 years (we’re in our late 20s). According to some people, after 50 years, wooden buildings basically reach their statistical lifespan.That is another misconception you seem to have. You will - most likely - no longer be living in the house once you reach retirement age.Grym schrieb:
On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to move into a solid masonry building from the 1980s today ...If you’re looking for something that requires no maintenance or repairs after it’s built, you should consider living in a cave without electricity, but with running water.Regards, Bauexperte
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Martin-8424 Jul 2015 12:20What about the issue of wood not being dried enough and therefore being installed while still "wet"? The reason is that it always has to be cheaper and faster.
I read this in a book about renovations and just wanted to bring it up for discussion.
Others who are more knowledgeable on this topic might be able to provide more insight.
I read this in a book about renovations and just wanted to bring it up for discussion.
Others who are more knowledgeable on this topic might be able to provide more insight.
Bauexperte schrieb:
Then, before you even consider building a house, you should get a degree in architecture, ideally also complementing it with structural engineering. Because if you continue as you present yourself here, even the most patient architect, construction supervisor, or general contractor on site will dismiss you; at the very least, they will ignore your calls.
This is another misconception you seem to have. There is a high probability you will no longer be living in the house once you reach retirement age.
If you are looking for something that requires no maintenance or repairs after construction, you should look for a cave without electricity but with running water.Bauexperte schrieb:
This is anotherHello Bauexperte, why do you think people will no longer live there? Because every house becomes due for renovation after a certain number of years?
No, I don’t think Bauexperte means that the house won’t hold up. It’s more that by then you’re likely already living in a care home or a smaller apartment. A garden and a large house both need maintenance, which can be challenging in retirement.
I hope I’m not putting words in your mouth, @Bauexperte?
I hope I’m not putting words in your mouth, @Bauexperte?