A Simple Way Oregon Green Building Can Be Improved
There is no such thing as perfect, which is why Oregon green building can always be improved.  As new technology, materials and processes emerge, the closer we get to building the ultimate green home. There is one area of Oregon green building that has not changed much over the years. This one area is responsible for deforestation, fires, mold, dry rot, termites and many other problems. This one area of building is wood framing.

Most homes in Oregon are framed with wood. Wood is a great material. It is easy to work with, easy to reuse or recycle, it is plentiful and sustainable. It is the go to material when building a house. However, wood has many characteristics that do not make it the best choice for building a home. Everyone knows several reasons why wood is not the best choice, but just in case you don’t know, here they are.

• Wood is flammable, the longer it dries the quicker it will burn.
• Wood rots which can undermine the structural integrity of a house.
• Wood wicks moisture which can lead to mold, mildew and fungus.
• Wood attracts pests such as termites and beetles. 
• Wood warps and twists which can lead to sticky or stuck doors and windows.
• Wood harvesting and processing releases a massive amount of CO2 green gasses.
• There is massive waste involved with wood framing.

What is the solution? Replace wood framing with recycled steel framing. Steel framing is not only good for the environment it also provides many safety benefits as well which make it a great method for green building.

• An averaged size steel framed house recycles the equivalent of about four junked out cars.
• An averaged size steel home saves about four truck loads of logs.
• Steel does not burn which in turn keeps you, your family, pets and belongings safe.
• Steel does not wick moisture which means the air quality of your home is improved because there is no mold, mildew or rot.
• Steel is precision manufactured (square and plumb): doors, windows all fit for life of home.

This list of benefits of steel could continue on for quite some time. But you get the idea, steel makes for an excellent Oregon green building. What most people don’t know is that you can frame a home from steel for about the same costs as a wood framed home.