Performance

Thermal performance and Great Energy Efficiency:
One of the most prominent advantages of utilising Cross Laminated Timber in your home, office or building is its thermal performance. The possibility of air-tight construction formed through the method of joining, adhering and fitting panels together allows very little potential of airflow through the system. The ability of a CLT home to trap in heat and regulate the internal environment and airflow can reach up to 90% of homes built with regular non CLT materials. This is due mostly to the high thermal mass it results in the temperature of the home being stable throughout the day, keeping the home warm in winter and cool in the summer. Thermal mass can greatly reduce heating and cooling costs. It reduces energy use and enhance the comfort of the occupant. The insulating capacity of the large CLT walls can reduce the need for additional insulation, thus costs.

Increased Acoustic Performance:
CLT is both aesthetically pleasing and provides advanced acoustic properties. Often used in theatres and cinemas, timber and more plywood contain properties that absorb sound and reduce echoing. The prefabrication of CLT panels makes CLT panels construction onsite almost soundless. Solid cross sections of the CLT panels attains  an exceptional level of acoustic insulation so that the CLT building system provides sufficient noise control for both airborne and impact sound transmission. In addition to this, sealants and membranes can be installed to provide more air tightness in order to enhance the acoustic proof in the building.

Structural Properties:
CLT in recent times is becoming incredibly preferred over traditional construction materials by professional designers and builders for its high strength with structural simplicity and lightweight form. It holds a lighter environmental carbon footprint and acts as a versatile building timber. It has a two-way action capability similar to a reinforced concrete slab. CLT has better structural properties than sawn timber as a result of enhancements made during the manufacturing stage. Structural performance can be enhanced by removing imperfections in the original timber. An incredible benefit displayed in engineered materials.

Seismic Performance:
Earthquakes and other natural disasters that occur without warning and cannot be predicted are factors that should still be considered when building any structure. Wood buildings and wood product buildings such as CLT perform well in severe conditions due to the fact that they are more ductile and lighter than those structures that are built with traditional material. Researchers have conducted extensive seismic testing on CLT. In Japan a 7 story CLT building was tested on the worlds largest shaking table and it was found  that the panels CLT is formed by performed exceptionally well and resulted in no residual deformation the building  survived 14 consecutive seismic events with almost no damage.

Fire Resistance:
CLT performs greater than most wood products due to its unique composition. It holds a high level of fire resistance due to its cross sectional thickness and air tight construction which results in the reduction in the fire’s ability to spread. In addition to this, the thermal mass of the sheets allows for no conduction between one side of the panel to the other. Fire resistance can be further enhanced by applying a fire resistant lining material such as plasterboard to the flooring or walls.

Draught Proofing:
CLT is designed and manufactured by laying laminates in a cross sectional pattern which is then glued very tightly, therefore as a result,  it has a very high air tightness rate with almost zero air leakage. Draught proofing is one of the main factors that can lead to saving on energy consumption that is required to regulate the warmth or coolness within a building. By having the building constructed by CLT,  it helps to save cost as there is no need for additional draught proofing accessories. However, it may enhance the draft proofing.