Preconceptions
Wooden houses...
1. creak and they are not sound-proof; wood "works"; finishes crack
Traditional constructions were often, and they are even today, made of solid beams and logs purchased at fairs and markets, so-called "air-dried". The wood with profiles thicker than 8 cm is very hard to be dried artificially, and for a natural drain it takes 1-2 years to become hygrometrically stabilized. In the course of time, these elements will crack, fracture and twist. The created humid environment will be ideal for mould and fungi.
The cleats and traditional nails lose their efficiency in time, thus creating a phonic discomfort. The structures we propose include the latest materials and technologies. Our factory process is followed in the quality management system ISO 9001. All structure elements prefabricated by Vandrom Trust carry the CE mark according to European standard SR EN 14081. Consequently, the wood is carefully selected following strict criteria: controlled humidity 14%-16%, number and thickness of knots, quality class (C18, C24), and treatment by immersion or vacuum. Usual thickness is 40-75 mm and for more solid structures we only use laminated wood. Bindings are made by nails specially treated with rosins for the grip and the space joints are doubled by metal galvanized SIMPSON elements. The structure is spatially stabilized by coating with new generation materials - OSB or FERMACELL. Between the floor elements and mean walls we place sound-absorbent materials. Floors are coated with polystyrene and cement coping, offering a high quality soundproofing.
2. are very vulnerable to fire
We have to clarify a thing from the beginning: any house can burn, be it a stone, bricks or concrete house. Houses do not burn by themselves, but because of a short circuit, a gas leak, a piece of furniture, etc. We consider that an assurance policy is necessary for any establishment.
Treating the structure with fireproof substances is not necessarily the only solution. The Germans and Northern Europeans do not use any kind of treatment. The wood in our houses is protected by coating. For example, a usual gypsum board resists 30 minutes to open fire (F 30). If we wish a higher proof, we can use two layers to obtain a 60 minutes fire protection.
The wooden house can be equipped with smoke detectors and fire-extinguishing devices. Electrical installations must be made by professionals, but with classical materials.
3. are attacked by mould, fungi and insects
The traditional enemies, represented by xylophages (termites, longhorn beetles) and fungi, are controlled by preventive methods like wood impregnation with broad-spectrum ecological substances.
4. have limited life span
A well executed wooden house has a life span of more that 100 years. The oldest wooden houses that exist nowadays are even 400 year old, although in that time the wood treatment did not exist. Aren't the "wall framing" system houses in Normandy or Alsace between the oldest dwelling establishments in France? The wood is a very strong material. A 3m carrying beam, capable to support 20 tons, weighs only 50 kg if it is made of wood, 80 kg if it is made of steel and 300 kg if it is made of concrete. Being that light and strong, a wooden house can be built on lands with low bearing capacity.
5. have a special design
The wooden structure is very flexible in terms of design. There can be made various modern forms and architectures. It is also compatible with most of materials used for exterior finishes: bricks, wood, stone, etc.
6. are not authorized in urban areas
Most of you have certainly met some "skeptics" or so-called "specialists" who, either ignoring the modern wooden construction system, or because of a handy professional idleness, try to guide you towards classical systems and they even recommend you a company ready to pile up your back-yard with mortar, iron, prefabricated blocks or concrete.
Wooden constructions are governed by the law as well as the masonry, metal or concrete constructions. Let's remind them, also, that there are public establishments (gymnasia, theaters, holiday centers, etc.) made of wood, while in this field the technical regulations concerning the safety of constructions are very strict.
