Materials used for the roof
structure and joinery
components
Timber
Both sapwood and heartwood are
in use in the construction industry.
Both have approximately equal
strength but heartwood is
naturally more durable than
sapwood.
Wood is an organic material
which should only be used from
forests which are replanted once
the timber has been felled.
Sapwood The outer active part of
a tree, which as it’s name implies,
receives and conducts sap from
the roots to the leaves. As this
part of the tree matures it
gradually becomes heartwood.
Sapwood
Heartwood
Timber (solid)
Heartwood
The natural non-active part of the
tree, often slightly darker in colour
than sapwood, gives strength and
support to the tree and provides
the most durable wood for
conversion into timber.
Bark
The outer sheath of the tree. It
functions as :a moisture barrier
thermal insulator
an armoured plate
against extremes in temperature,
attack by fungi, insect and
animals.
Sapwood
Heartwood
Softwoods and Hardwoods
The term Softwood and Hardwoods refer to the botanical
origins of wood and not to their density or physical hardness.
Softwoods
Softwoods come from cone-bearing
trees, often with evergreen needle-like
leaves. Softwood trees are usually much
faster growing than hardwoods.
Softwood are generally used for roof
timbers, dividing walls, garden decking or
any other location where timber is used
structurally but the appearance is not
important.
Wood used in a roof
Joinery components made
from softwood
Door linings
Stair strings
Floor Joist
Softwood timber studs
Softwood roof timbers
Plywood sheeting
Hardwood
Hard wood comes from broad-leaved trees, Most are
Deciduous but they can be evergreen. Native hardwoods
include :Ash
Oak
Sycamore
Beech
Hardwood
Hard wood comes from broad-leaved trees, Most are
Deciduous but they can be evergreen. Native hardwoods
include :-
Horse Chestnut
Elm
Lime
Hardwood
Ash Table
Doors
Timber sheeting