According to the latest market information in 2013 in Britain there was a record amount of orders on houses of timber materials that allowed some companies to double their businesses. The statistics shows the increase of sale up to 163% and its growth by 84% for the last three months.
Thus the question is about the increased demand for all industry products –from timber doors to structural insulated panels (SIP) and crossly-laminated panels (CLT). Some of branch organizations are going to provide loans for their members in order to improve their businesses, as it was observed that the increased number of contracts for the supply of timber materials was the result of their work. They took to the consumers all benefits of using panels and wooden squared beam in building.
So, Barry Armstrong from Robertson Timber Engineering agrees with the estimation of benefits from timber, but connects it with the deficit of other building materials. Sales manager of SIPs Eco Panels Peter Keogh says: "It seems to me that one of reasons of increased demand for timber-works is toughening of some building norms, as norms for isolations that were accepted in April, making builders to consider an energy-saving factor, which is characteristic of SIP, and taking advantage of the construction form being waterproof, minimized delays in installation of the constructions and, naturally, results in the surge in demand for these panels".
Manager of B&K Structures Nick Milestone says: "This year we have seen the triple increase in demand for similar constructions since 2010. Using of such timber, as glulam or CLT amounts to more than 90% in our projects now. It was also observed the increase in sales of timber constructions by 77%. The volume of glulam amounts to 185% compared to 2011, and CLT volumes has increased six times in comparison with 2011."
It is noteworthy that timber panels for framework building appeared at the market more than 50 years ago. During this time, the demand for them was not stable because of the other cheaper proposals on building materials. But none of them can compete with timber from the ecological point of view and simplicity in producing constructions.
The specialists say that both time and efforts are required to understand the role of timber in sustainable development of building industry. It is also necessary to build and strengthen relationships with other organizations that are involved in construction. And as we see now, the industry acknowledges that timber is a way forward, and the "stocks of bricks and building blocks, as well as trained masons", have subzero liquidity. And it’s not a surprise that the time of timber has come.
Author: Ivan Prokhorov
