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Every visitor to this year’s Homes and Construction Expo 2023, organised by Vision Group will access expert information on the quality of building materials, architectural and structural engineering services, construction financing options, which are a key factor in real estate development and homeownership. 

Taking place on November 25 and 26, the two-day event, running under the theme; Innovations, Standards and Opportunities will feature experts discussing issues pertaining to land shortage and how to avoid fraud.

The expo will host a diverse section of exhibitors from different construction companies like the Busoga Forestry Company (BFC).

Moses Kinobe, the sales executive, says as a subsidiary of Green Resources AS (GRAS)- Africa’s leading forestation company and a leader in East African wood processing - the company practices the highest corporate social and environmental standards, including principles and criteria for responsible forest management.

BFC aims at becoming an attractive alternative for investors otherwise reluctant to invest in emerging markets and are a favoured partner for development organisations.

According to Kinobe, BFC uses Nzuri timber, which is a premium wood material for versatile exterior and interior applications in all climates.

According to Kinobe, BFC uses Nzuri timber, which is a premium wood material for versatile exterior and interior applications in all climates. He says such a product creates opportunities for architects and designers to use wood in an innovative and natural way. “Only the carefully chosen, live knotted part of the tree is used to ensure a high quality of the final products,” he says.

Kinobe adds that good timber, when put in a kiln dries well, which enhances its performance. The process expands the range of applications in which it can be used.

“Such timber is a reliable choice for exterior and interior flooring, decking and cladding due to its improved dimensional stability, durability and aesthetics,” he explains.

Protect timber from termite attack

Wood is an excellent renewable building material. However, when a wood product gets in contact with the ground or is exposed to high moisture, it may be subjected to biological and insecticidal deterioration.

As a result of termite or fungi attack, wood from most tree species can be destroyed within five to eight years.

“The timber products in use nowadays are subjected to infestation by termites, beetles and ants. These cause a great financial loss to those who invest in wood for construction,” Herbert Simbwa, a carpenter in Matugga says. 

Subterranean termites live in colonies in the ground from where they infiltrate wood. 

Wood is an excellent renewable building material.

These termites use the wood both as shelter and to obtain cellulose, as their source of food. Once the colony is established, it lives entirely within the wood making, it hard to be detected.

Termites can attack healthy wood, but they prefer that which has already been degraded by fungi. 

Drywood termites, on the other hand, ravage exposed wood above the ground directly from air. Once inside the wood, they can thrive, even when the moisture content is below 5%. 

It is, therefore, difficult to shield buildings from contact with these insects. For example, there are several types of wood-destroying beetles, like powder post beetles, furniture beetles and long horned borers (marine borers). 

To prevent termite attacks, selection of building materials and design should always be carried out with consideration of the severity of termite damage in the region or locality.

Simbwa says protection against subterranean termites could be accomplished by proper construction of the foundation, sills and floor slabs so that the termites cannot reach the wood without being visually detected. 

Drywood termites, on the other hand, can attack exposed wood above the ground directly from air. Once inside the wood, they can live there even when the moisture content is below 5%. 

Kinobe adds that good timber, when put in a kiln dries well, which enhances its performance.

What is pressure-treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood is that which has undergone a special process to make it more durable and less susceptible to decay, insect infestation, mold, and water damage. Some pressure treatments can make the wood fire-retardant. 

There are different types of pressure treated-wood, all of which are useful for a variety of different projects. The process forces wood preservatives or fire-retardants into wood.

These processes are considered to be the best and most effective method to extend and preserve timber. Treated wood applications include interior framing, exposed exterior wood for above ground or ground contact uses. 

For more enriching engagements on these and other homes and construction topics, plan to visit the expo, with an entrance fee of sh10,000 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.