Andrew Diller wrote:
While this may make a heartwarming story, it's actually rubbish: those workmen may have been amazed at the tree trunks in her basement, however they were woefully misinformed regarding modern building materials. Engineered wood products are much more robust and stronger than the pine beams used in the turn of the century twins. If I had a $10 for every failed pine joist in my home, I could buy a lot of latte at the Green Line.Historic buildings vital to Philly's personality
By Emilie Haertsch Published: Tuesday, March 15, 2005
are infinitely superior to materials used today. Workmen who were once shown the basement of my family's 19th century Gothic Victorian were amazed at the support beam, which they said would prevent an earthquake from damaging our house. These days most houses' support beams are made from wood scraps that are glued together, as opposed to the solid tree trunk beams of olden days.
I'd like to agree with Andy here. He's right about the abilities of engineered wood products. They are extremely strong and useful. Engineered-Wood I-beams, which are a recent development, are strong, light, and extremly reliable. They're less likely to warp and twist than a thick pine joist, easier to repair, and since they're made of reclaimed wood products, they're environmentally beneficial, too.
Emelie's description of "wood scraps glued together" is just glib.Yeah, it's true, but there's a big difference from the fiberboard crap they make kiddie desks out of, and the stuff used in construction.
---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
