en-ca

Choose Your Language

Apply a language to the entire website.

Language

English FlagEnglish
French FlagFrench

Webstore

Canadian Wood Council (Conseil Canadien du Bois) logo featuring a stylized golden maple leaf.

Searching for: Wood

Searching results for “Wood”

Popular Topics: Mass Timber Fire Tests Sustainability Events

403 results found...
Sort By Dropdown Icon
  • CWC, Seismic Studies

BP5 – Wood-Frame Construction: Meeting The Challenge of Earthquakes

North American single-family homes are considered by many to be the safest place to be in an earthquake. This is not surprising considering that North American housing is almost synonymous with wood-frame construction. The lightweight and high energy absorbing capabilities of wood framing provides a system strong enough to withstand the effects of powerful earthquakes. Experience from strong earthquakes, in North America and around the world, has shown that well-constructed wood-frame buildings provide safety to their occupants.

  • CWC, Residential Buildings

BP4 – Wood-Frame Housing: A North-American Marvel

North Americans enjoy the highest standard of safe and comfortable housing in the world. This is not by chance – wood-frame construction is the residential building system of choice and many countries wishing to improve the comfort and security of their citizens are adopting it.

North America is blessed with resources of all kinds. A continuing abundance of forest resources has, since the earliest settlers, encouraged using wood to build housing.

Today, as designers, builders and homeowners pursue safe, energy efficient housing that is easy on the environment and can perform in the face of major challenges like high winds and earthquakes, there are stronger reasons than ever to build with wood.

Wood-frame construction is strong, durable, easy to insulate, easy to renovate and delivers value. It is backed by two hundred years of proven performance and a wealth of research and new product development to make it better than ever. And it is the only major building material that is renewable.

Strong winds… heavy snow loads… high humidity… extreme temperatures – whatever your building challenges, wood-frame housing has proven technical solutions to overcome any problem.

Wood sells houses. In addition to the shelter, warmth and safety provided by the wood structure, buyers recognize and appreciate the aesthetic value of wood for exposed applications like cabinetry, flooring, furniture and moldings.

Not only is wood builder-friendly, it is also environmentally friendly. Wood products take less energy to manufacture, affect the environment less than other materials, and they come from North American forests that are abundant and increasing in size.

  • CWC, Moisture & Decay

BP3 – Termite Control and Wood-Frame Buildings

Wood products have long been the building materials of choice for home construction in North America. The wood-frame construction system has a solid history of producing housing of the highest standards: It is easy to build, delivers economic value, has excellent strength in earthquake or high-wind conditions, is energy efficient, and is derived from a renewable resource. Modern wood-frame construction includes several types of engineered wood products that are economically viable in multi-story residential buildings and non-residential projects. Moreover, as described in Bulletins No. 1 and 2 in the Building Performance Series, wood framing supplies durability and fire safety performance where environmental and building code requirements are met. This bulletin describes how wood framing can also be used in areas of North America subject to insect attack, a threat to all types of buildings. It builds on the concept of integrated pest management that will provide long-term protection for wood-frame and other buildings against damage caused by insects, specifically Formosan and other subterranean termites. Also included is practical advice for building designers, contractors and owners to assist in assessing risk, and choosing appropriate mitigation measures.

  • CWC, Fire Safety

BP2 – Fire Safety In Residential Buildings

Since wood-frame construction was first used in the early 1800’s, North Americans have developed and been sheltered by wood-frame building technology — from single family homes and progressing over the decades to larger, multi-storey apartment buildings and townhouses. In fact, over 90% of the 1.5 million homes built in North America each year are constructed using woodframe construction. Wood-frame construction provides North Americans with the world’s highest housing standards. There are many reasons for the success of the wood frame system:

It is easy to build

It has a proven track record

It delivers excellent value

It has a high strength to weight ratio

It is energy efficient

It is one of the safest building systems in extreme conditions like earthquakes

Wood is an abundant renewable resource

In addition, modern wood-frame construction provides a comparable level of fire safety to non-combustible construction. This technical bulletin will discuss some of the basic principles of fire safety, and dispel some myths about what makes residential buildings fire-safe for both single family homes and multi-family residential buildings.

  • CWC, Durability, Moisture & Decay

BP1 – Moisture and Wood-Frame Buildings

Throughout history, wherever wood has been available as a resource, it has found favor as a building material for its strength, economy, workability and beauty, and its ability to last has been demonstrated again and again. From the ancient temples of Japan and the great stave churches of Norway to the countless North American buildings built in the 1800s, wood construction has proven it can stand the test of time. The art and technology of wood building, however, has been changing through time. Can modern wood-frame buildings perform as well?

Protection of buildings from moisture is an important design criterion, as important as protection from fire or structural collapse. Designers, builders and owners are gaining a deeper appreciation for the function of the building envelope (exterior walls and roof). This includes the performance of windows, doors, siding, sheathing membranes, air and vapour barriers, sheathing, and framing. The capabilities and characteristics of wood and other construction materials must be understood, and then articulated in the design of buildings, if proper and durable construction is to be assured.

This guide will help design and construction professionals, and building owners understand moisture issues related to the design and construction of wood-frame buildings. The primary objective is to provide ideas and solutions to ensure wood-frame buildings perform as expected. The primary focus of the guide will be on the control of rainwater penetration in exterior walls, particularly for climates subject to high moisture exposure.

  • Environmental Impacts, Partner Content

IBS5 – Thermal Performance of Light-Frame Assemblies

“A man’s home is his castle” is an old familiar phrase, but if truth be told, the castles of old were cold and draughty. Today’s homes are now havens of comfort with efficient central heating systems and well insulated building envelopes. We count on the walls and roofs of our houses to keep the heat in during the winter months and the heat out during the sweltering days of summer. Today’s home buyers demand energy efficient houses with high insulation values. “Lowering energy use” has become the goal as the cost and environmental implications of energy use are considered. Insulation levels are now being required by many code authorities. Stricter thermal requirements mean that designers must understand the impact of the materials and assemblies used on thermal performance. Because of its long history of use, wood-frame construction has well established insulating properties and record of performance. The effect of other construction systems on insulation properties is not widely known or understood. This publication will examine current knowledge of the thermal performance of wood and other framing techniques. This information will assist designers and builders to select construction techniques that provide the best thermal performance.

  • Acoustics, Fire Safety, Partner Content

IBS3 – Fire Resistance and Sound Transmission

Fire is an ever-present danger for building occupants. Research and experience confirm that fire safety in a house or apartment has little to do with the combustibility of the structural materials used in its construction. In fact, the occupants’ safety is far more dependent on their own awareness of fire hazards (open flames, etc.), the contents of their home (furniture, etc.), and the fire protection measures designed into the building. Minimization of sound transmission in single- and multi-family residential buildings is also an important factor to ensure occupant comfort, and is closely related to fire-resistant construction. The intent of this brochure is to demonstrate how wood frame buildings meet code requirements by providing examples of wood-based light frame building systems designed to maximize fire safety and minimize sound transmission.

  • Partner Content, Structural Engineering

IBS2 – Wood Trusses – Strength, Economy, Versatility

Wood trusses are engineered frames of lumber joined together in triangular shapes by galvanized steel connector plates, referred to commonly as truss plates.

Wood trusses are widely used in single- and multi-family residential, institutional, agricultural and commercial construction. Their high strength-to-weight ratios permit long spans, offering greater flexibility in floor plan layouts. They can be designed in almost any shape or size, restricted only by manufacturing capabilities, shipping limitations and handling considerations.

Metal plate connected roof trusses were first introduced into the North American market in the 1950’s. Today, the majority of house roofs in Canada and the United States are framed with wood trusses and increasingly, wood floor trusses are being used in residential and commercial applications. Wood truss use is not limited to North America. They are gaining acceptance around the world and are widely used in Europe and Japan.

  • Codes & Standards, Partner Content

The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada

The use of wood is limited in larger and taller buildings by the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) based on concern of increased fire risk. The current requirements were developed long ago, under much different conditions than today. Since then the industry’s knowledge of fire science has evolved considerably, fire service equipment and capabilities have improved, detection and suppression systems have advanced, construction materials and techniques have changed significantly, and public awareness and education regarding fire safety has increased.

Having an understanding of the knowledge, capability, materials and methods used to develop the height and area limits and the risks they were intended to mitigate, sets the basis for re-examination of those limits in a current context. This can be achieved through a historical examination of the development of the limits and their bearing on the use of combustible construction in buildings.

  • Mid-Rise Buildings, Partner Content

Ontario Mid-Rise Reference Guide

On September 23, 2014, after many years of research, development, stakeholder feedback and discussion, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code (OBC) that permit 5- and 6-storey combustible construction for Group C and D occupancies. e amendments to the OBC increase opportunities for designers and builders to create versatile and affordable new buildings. The changes recognize the advancements in wood products and systems as well as in fire detection, suppression, and containment systems.

Densification is mandated in almost all municipal growth plans in the province. Mixed-use mid-rise buildings are seen as an important solution that will help create higher density and attract businesses and families to urban centres. Previous code restrictions on combustible construction made non-combustible solutions the only option for mid-rise development and many potential developments were stalled because they were deemed cost-prohibitive. Developers now have a new, cost effective option to provide mid-rise solutions.

Decisions about how and where we build our communities have significant impacts on the natural environment and on human health. Wood is a natural, sustainable material and the processing of raw material into building materials has a lower environmental impact when compared to other major building components. e use of sustainable materials and components reduces the negative impact our buildings have on the environment and assists in mitigating climate change. The amendments to the OBC have created exciting new opportunities but there are also new design and construction challenges to consider. Ontario Wood WORKS! developed this guide to explain the new provisions in the OBC and to discuss the opportunities as well as the challenges.

  • Partner Content, Shearwalls

Design Example of Wood Diaphragm on Reinforced CMU Shearwalls

This document is design example of Wood Diaphragm on Reinforced CMU Shearwalls. It uses a school gymnasium located in Surrey, British Columbia as the example. The plan dimensions are 20m x 30m, with a total building height of 7m. The walls are 190 mm reinforced CMU, and the roof diaphragm consists of plywood sheathing and SPF framing members. The roof plan is shown in Figure 1. The site is Seismic Class ‘C’. Wind, snow and seismic data specific to the project location are taken from the latest version of the National Building Code (2010). Roof dead load is assumed to be 0.9 kPa and the wall weight is 2.89 kPa. The weight of non-structural items including mechanical equipment has not been included in this example for simplicity.

  • Partner Content, Structural Engineering

Design Example of Wood Diaphragm Using Envelope Method

This document is a design example of Wood Diaphragm Using Envelope Method. it uses a typical one-storey commercial building located in Vancouver, BC as the example. The plan dimensions are 30.5 m x 12.2 m (100’ x 40’), with a building height of 5 m. The walls are woodbased shearwalls, with a wood diaphragm roof and a steel moment frame at the storefront. The roof plan is shown in Figure 1. The site is Seismic Class ‘C’. Wind, snow and seismic figures specific to the project location are taken from the current version of the British Columbia Building Code (2012). Roof dead load is assumed to be 1.0 kPa and the wall weight is 0.5 kPa. The weight of nonstructural items including mechanical equipment and the storefront façade has not been included in this example for simplicity.

BP5 – Wood-Frame Construction: Meeting The Challenge of Earthquakes
BP4 – Wood-Frame Housing: A North-American Marvel
BP3 – Termite Control and Wood-Frame Buildings
BP2 – Fire Safety In Residential Buildings
BP1 – Moisture and Wood-Frame Buildings
IBS5 – Thermal Performance of Light-Frame Assemblies
IBS3 – Fire Resistance and Sound Transmission
IBS2 – Wood Trusses – Strength, Economy, Versatility
The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada
Ontario Mid-Rise Reference Guide
Design Example of Wood Diaphragm on Reinforced CMU Shearwalls
Design Example of Wood Diaphragm Using Envelope Method

BP5 – Wood-Frame Construction: Meeting The Challenge of Earthquakes

North American single-family homes are considered by many to be the safest place to be in an earthquake. This is not surprising considering that North American housing is...

BP4 – Wood-Frame Housing: A North-American Marvel

North Americans enjoy the highest standard of safe and comfortable housing in the world. This is not by chance – wood-frame construction is the residential building system...

BP3 – Termite Control and Wood-Frame Buildings

Wood products have long been the building materials of choice for home construction in North America. The wood-frame construction system has a solid history of producing...

BP2 – Fire Safety In Residential Buildings

Since wood-frame construction was first used in the early 1800’s, North Americans have developed and been sheltered by wood-frame building technology -- from single family...

BP1 – Moisture and Wood-Frame Buildings

Throughout history, wherever wood has been available as a resource, it has found favor as a building material for its strength, economy, workability and beauty, and its...

IBS5 – Thermal Performance of Light-Frame Assemblies

“A man’s home is his castle” is an old familiar phrase, but if truth be told, the castles of old were cold and draughty. Today’s homes are now havens of comfort with...

IBS3 – Fire Resistance and Sound Transmission

Fire is an ever-present danger for building occupants. Research and experience confirm that fire safety in a house or apartment has little to do with the combustibility of...

IBS2 – Wood Trusses – Strength, Economy, Versatility

Wood trusses are engineered frames of lumber joined together in triangular shapes by galvanized steel connector plates, referred to commonly as truss plates. Wood trusses are...

The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada

The use of wood is limited in larger and taller buildings by the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) based on concern of increased fire risk. The current requirements...

Ontario Mid-Rise Reference Guide

On September 23, 2014, after many years of research, development, stakeholder feedback and discussion, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced...

Design Example of Wood Diaphragm on Reinforced CMU Shearwalls

This document is design example of Wood Diaphragm on Reinforced CMU Shearwalls. It uses a school gymnasium located in Surrey, British Columbia as the example. The plan...

Design Example of Wood Diaphragm Using Envelope Method

This document is a design example of Wood Diaphragm Using Envelope Method. it uses a typical one-storey commercial building located in Vancouver, BC as the example. The plan...

Our Mandate is to support excellence in wood design and construction

Subscribe to our newsletter today to stay informed and inspired!

Engage with Us
Browse Resources
Other Programs

Get Access to Our Resources

Stay in the loop and don’t miss a thing!

1
2
3

Get Access to Our Resources

Stay in the loop and don’t miss a thing!

What’s Your Occupation?

Help us personalize the content for you.

Continue
Skip

What Interests You the Most?

Help us personalize the content for you.

Personalize my Content
Skip

Filters

Clear all
Expertise Icon
Field of Expertise
Dropdown Icon
Province Icon
Province
Dropdown Icon
Member Type Icon
WoodWork National Partners
Dropdown Icon

Filters

Clear all
Post Type Icon
Post Type
Dropdown Icon
Persona Icon
Persona
Dropdown Icon
Language Icon
Language
Dropdown Icon
Tags Icon
Tags
Dropdown Icon
Mass Timber Plus Icon Environment Plus Icon Safety Plus Icon Durability Plus Icon Design Systems Plus Icon Budget Plus Icon Construction Management Plus Icon Fire Resistance Plus Icon Tall Buildings Plus Icon Short Buildings Plus Icon
Date Icon
Date
Dropdown Icon
Line Separator