Exterior wall materials | Timber siding, plywood oriented strand board (OSB), cross-laminated timber (CLT), moisture barrier | Reinforced concrete, cement board, stone veneer | Steel panels, aluminum cladding, glass curtain walls |
Interior wall materials | Timber panels, gypsum board, plywood | Reinforced concrete walls, gypsum board | Metal studs+gypsum board, glass partitions |
Weight | Lightweight | Heavy, requires strong support | Medium to lightweight with metal panels |
Thermal performance | Excellent natural insulation | Poor, requires additional insulation | Moderate, often requires extra insulation |
Moisture & waterproofing | Susceptible to moisture and pests, requires waterproofing | Resistant to moisture but prone to cracking | Requires anti-corrosion treatment |
Fire resistance | Requires fire-retardant treatment | Excellent fire resistance | Needs fireproof coatings or sprays |
Construction speed | Fast with prefabricated panels | Slow due to concrete curing time | Fast with prefabricated components |
Environmental impact | Eco-friendly, renewable material | High carbon emissions during concrete production | Moderate carbon footprint, recyclable material |
Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance (moisture, pests) | Low maintenance, highly durable | Requires corrosion protection and fireproofing |