Composite materials made of wood and plastic have many advantages over real wood as a building material, but they are not without their drawbacks. An EU initiative is addressing these shortcomings by developing a system that is optimised, safe, environmentally sustainable and that uses long-lasting materials.
Ventilated façades are considered to be the most efficient and safest form of exterior cladding for new or existing buildings. They ensure high energy savings, improve sound insulation and use recyclable natural products. The use of wood plastic composites (WPCs) as building components reveals potential downsides, namely durability and fire hazard issues.
Further details: Improving engineered wood materials used in buildings