Do you like wood? We love it! Wood remains the most commonly used material for roof structures, especially in the construction of single-family houses. Its many natural properties, along with the ease of processing and installation, make wooden structures one of the most popular solutions in the design and execution of roof support systems.
In this article, we’ll show you why wooden roof structures remain such a popular solution today. You’ll discover not only the key advantages of wood—such as durability, light weight, and eco-friendliness—but also how these benefits translate into comfort, safety, and efficiency for your home. Read on to explore the unique properties of wooden roof structures and why they continue to be the backbone of modern construction.
The key points of this blog:
- Advantages of Wood as a Construction Material
- Wooden Roof Structure
- Choosing Wood According to the Purpose of the Structure
- Wood Protection and Structural Durability
- Use of Metal Structures
- Pros and cons
- Summary
Advantages of Wood as a Construction Material
Compared to other building materials, wood has several advantages:
- Elasticity and flexibility, allowing adaptability in load-bearing structures, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.
- Antistatic properties, as wooden structures do not conduct electricity.
- Natural moisture regulation, which contributes to a favorable indoor climate.
- Sound insulation, since wood absorbs sound well and thus improves living comfort.
- Low weight with high strength, enabling easier and faster construction without the need for heavy machinery.
- Eco-friendliness, as wood is a renewable resource that does not contain harmful substances.
DID YOU KNOW?
“In Sweden 43 per cent of the industrial buildings started in 2024 have a wooden frame. Total market share for timber frames increased from 12 % to 29 % over the period 2018–2024.”
Source:
https://www.holmen.com/en/woodproducts/about-holmen-woodproducts/newsroom/commercial-sector-driving-wood-construction/?utm
How to Build a Wooden Roof Structure: Insulation and Finishing Layers Explained and Illustrated
1. Load-bearing wooden structure
Rafters (inclined beams) transfer the roof loads (snow, wind, roof covering) to the walls. Ridge beam sits at the top and connects rafters on both sides. Tie beams / ceiling beams connect the rafters at their base, preventing them from spreading apart. These elements can remain visible from the inside, forming part of the interior design.
2. Internal wooden cladding (optional)
Boards or wooden panels are often installed above the beams to create a neat interior ceiling surface. This layer also prevents insulation from being visible in the living space.
3. Vapor barrier
A thin airtight sheet (usually plastic or special membrane) is placed above the cladding and rafters. Its purpose is to stop warm, moist indoor air from reaching the insulation and condensing inside the roof.
4. Thermal insulation
Mineral wool, wood fiber, or other insulation materials are installed between the rafters. Sometimes an additional insulation layer is placed above the rafters (so-called “sarking insulation”) to improve thermal performance and avoid thermal bridges.
5. Breathable membrane
A water-resistant but vapor-permeable layer is placed above the insulation. It protects the insulation from external moisture while allowing trapped vapor to escape.
6. Counter-battens and battens
Wooden battens are fixed on top of rafters. They create a ventilation gap and provide a fixing base for tile battens and roof covering.
7. Roof covering
Tiles, shingles, metal sheets, or another material are laid as the final protective and aesthetic layer.
This is what you see from the outside of the house:
An additional advantage of wooden roofs is their simple installation—often, investors take on the construction themselves, with some help from experts or acquaintances. For this reason, wooden roof structures are the most common choice for building individual houses.
Choosing Wood According to the Purpose of the Structure
Wooden structures vary depending on the degree of wood processing, which is adjusted to function, location, and durability requirements:
- Rough-sawn wood (moisture content 40–60%) is used in open and uninsulated structures. Before use, it must be impregnated to prevent insect and fungal attacks.
- Kiln-dried wood (15–20% moisture) is suitable for closed, insulated roofing systems. It is usually thermally treated, so additional impregnation is unnecessary—or even discouraged due to potential health risks.
»Wood weighs only about a fifth of the volume-concrete equivalent, allowing for lighter foundations and easier transport.«
Source: https://think.ing.com/articles/benefits-of-building-with-wood-environmentally-friendly-reusable-light?utm
Wood Protection and Structural Durability
High-quality wood and well-designed structures that keep the wood dry are key to ensuring a long lifespan of a roof structure. The following factors play an important role:
- Proper roof pitch and roofing material that prevent water retention.
- Water-based protective coatings with inorganic compounds (boron, copper) that protect against biological pests.
- Glazing coatings for wooden parts exposed to weather (e.g., eaves), providing extra protection and an aesthetic finish. These are usually based on copper and chromium or copper and amines, as boron-based coatings are less resistant to moisture.
When working with protective agents, it is essential to use protective equipment—gloves, a safety mask, and a suitable workspace—since many chemicals release vapors harmful to health.
Use of Metal Structures
For larger buildings or industrial facilities, metal roof structures are often used, as they allow for greater spans and higher load capacity. However, their use in residential construction is less common, as they are more expensive and require greater precision as well as heavy machinery for installation.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wood As A Building Construction Product:
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PROS
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CONS
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· Flexibility and elasticity – adapts well in load-bearing structures, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
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· Moisture sensitivity – if not properly treated and protected, wood can warp, swell, or rot. |
| · Lightweight with high strength – easy to transport and install without heavy machinery. |
· Pest vulnerability – susceptible to termites, fungi, and insects without impregnation or coatings. |
| · Natural insulation – regulates indoor humidity and provides good sound absorption. |
· Fire risk – although treatments can improve fire resistance, wood is naturally combustible. |
| · Aesthetic appeal – creates a warm, natural look and can be left visible as part of interior design. |
· Maintenance needs – requires protective coatings and regular care to ensure long-term durability. |
| · Eco-friendly material – renewable, recyclable, and has a lower carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete. |
· Dimensional changes – expands or shrinks depending on temperature and humidity variations. |
| · Cost-effective – often cheaper and faster to build with compared to other structural materials. |
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Summary:
Why Wood is an Excellent Construction Material?
Wood remains one of the most popular construction materials thanks to its flexibility, durability, and eco-friendliness. It ensures strong yet lightweight wooden roof structures, offers natural sound insulation and moisture regulation, and creates a warm indoor climate. With proper roof insulation layers, vapor barriers, and protective coatings, wooden roofs achieve long-lasting performance and aesthetic appeal. By choosing the right type of wood—rough-sawn wood, kiln-dried wood, or laminated timber—homeowners and builders can ensure stability, safety, and beauty. When designed and protected correctly, wood in construction provides sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for modern buildings.
