Natural Insulator
Timber is naturally an insulating material that creates a barrier between heat and cold.
The secret can be found in the many air pockets within its cellular structure, which means that it is 15 times better than masonry, 400 times better than steel, and 1,770 times better than aluminium. In addition, lightweight timber framing methods allow easy installation of additional fibre or foil insulation.
As a result of this improved thermal performance, buildings produced using timber, particularly engineered timber such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Glulam and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) require less energy to heat and cool, resulting in reduced energy bills.
In addition, timber is hygroscopic and has the ability to exchange moisture with the surrounding air which provides a buffer against short-term changes in humidity and temperature.
Reference: Commonwealth of Australia (2008) Your Home Technical Manual. Available at www.yourhome.gov.au/technical

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