BUSTING MYTHS!]
While there has been a slight increase in the number of homes built with timber in South Africa, there are still a number of myths that put people off, says Jacques Cronjé of Jacques Cronjé Timber Design. “These include concerns around deforestation, durability of a timber home and the risk of fire.”
Myth 1: Deforestation
Wood is a renewable resource: for every tree harvested, another can be planted. South African Forestry Companies Limited (SAFCOL) is currently planting more than can be harvested and there is enough South African pine to meet current housing demands.
Myth 2: Isn’t there a high risk of a timber home burning to the ground?
Have you ever tried making a fire with a match and a log? A large amount of timber is very difficult to get burning and when it does catch alight, it chars which protects the timber and slows down its combustion. Timber’s performance in the case of a fire is very predictable and it doesn’t change dimension under high temperatures.
Myth 3: It can’t be that durable!
There are timber homes and buildings that have been standing for hundreds of years and preservative treatments can prolong the lifespan of timber indefinitely. A timber home will require resealing every couple of years – a relatively simple task.