Q.
a) Timber is one of the materials widely used in Malaysia. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using timber in building construction. (15 marks)
b) Classify three (3) types of timber preservation. (10 marks)
(25 marks, 2014 Q3)
A.
(a) Advantages and disadvantages of using timber
Read complete write up on Timber for Construction from Pros & Cons of Timber Frame Buildings.
Advantages:
– Timber is an excellent insulator: Brick-built houses are also known to have outstanding insulating properties, but wood manages to surpass them
– Timber is an elastic material: As opposed to brick or concrete walls, timber walls don’t have to be very thick. A 20m wall for example, is strong enough to protect against the winter cold, if given proper treatment.
– Timber houses are more attractive: Timber house look a thousand times better and they don’t need special decorative finishes.
Disadvantages:
– Vulnerable to pest attacks: Timber is vulnerable to biotic forces like termites, woodworm or wood ants.
– Prone to abiotic forces: Abiotic forces of nature like Sun, Fire, water etc. can have adverse effect on Timber.
– Shrinking and swelling of wood: Wood has a natural ability to absorb water which is also known as Hygroscopy.
Ref:
Erin Emanuel June 6, 2013. Advantages and disadvantages of timber houses. Available at,
(b) Similar question was asked in Part 1 below:
D06 2014 Q6
Wood preservation and its use
Preservation of timber
Ref:
Earlier posts.