Disadvantages of timber frame construction

We want to build a single-family house next year that meets the requirements of [KFW 55]. I find a house with a timber frame construction very appealing, but my father-in-law constantly talks it down. A wooden house is said to be very susceptible to moisture damage, if something leaks it would immediately lead to mold formation, furthermore it is said to be less soundproof and of course more fire-prone than a stone house. I consider all this to be prejudices, but I am not 100% sure myself. What disadvantages are there really?

The arguments of your father-in-law show a lack of knowledge about modern timber construction technology. You can design exterior walls with timber frame construction that are thinner (space gain), insulate better, and provide better soundproofing than conventional masonry walls. Fire protection in wooden houses is very advanced nowadays, so there is no need to be afraid.

The old way of thinking plays a role here: "Stone is heavy and stable, thus safe," which is no longer true today with the highly insulating masonry bricks, which are very fragile.

My work colleague built a wooden house and at least when it comes to the risk of mold, one should be very careful. It rained heavily during the construction and the covering was torn off by the wind. A few weeks later, he had mold on the wooden walls. However, this was repaired by the responsible party and today he is very satisfied with the wooden house. He has much lower heating costs than before and I must admit, at his home it is really very cozy.

A wooden house really has hardly any disadvantages compared to a "stone house." The wood nowadays is very well processed and also no longer so susceptible to weather. However, the thing with mold is true; the rule here is: act early!

Hello everyone,

there is no direct logical connection between "mold" and "wooden house".
All building materials are damaged by unplanned moisture exposure; mold problems naturally also occur in stone houses.

I know someone who built a log house and it looks great. Fire protection does not play a significant role here. The thermal and sound insulation is also better here than in a stone house. Those are still the old prejudices.