Service life of outdoor wooden constructions. Expectations of private house owners in Sweden

IRG/WP 01-10401

M-L Edlund, J Jermer

Wood is traditionally used in indoor as well as outdoor applications. However, if not kept dry, wood is easily attacked by wood degrading micro-organisms. Thus the service life is heavily affected by construction design, choice of wood and wood treatment. For most constructions there is an expected service life. The expectations concerning wooden constructions and what kind of wood is chosen to fulfil the expectations have not been very well known. To increase the knowledge about the Swedish private house owners' expectations of the service life of outdoor wooden constructions an inquiry was carried out. The inquiry showed that private house owners expect long service lives of their constructions. About 25% thought that a service life between 10 and 20 years was sufficient but approximately 60% wanted the constructions to last for more than 20 years. The main reason for replacement of a wooden construction was said to be fungal decay. This is in contradiction to the opinion that poor appearance or old-fashioned design is the most important reason.


Keywords: SERVICE LIFE; WOODEN CONSTRUCTIONS; HOUSE OWNERS

Conference: 01-05-20/25 Nara, Japan


Download document (125 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document