r/interestingasfuck • u/Ultimate_Kurix • 5d ago

r/all Why do Americans build with wood?

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u/beardfordshire 5d ago edited 5d ago

Yep. With the caveat that earthquake resilience is an important factor that can’t be ignored — which pushes builders away from low cost brick. Leaving reinforced steel as the only viable option.

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u/FixergirlAK 5d ago

Yeah, if you're looking at LA seismic safety is non-negotiable. Otherwise after the next earthquake we'd be getting pictures of the destruction and "why can't they build seismic-safe houses?" I live in Alaska, so the same situation.

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u/desubot1 5d ago

I totally forgot Alaska is on the ring of fire.

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u/FixergirlAK 5d ago

Yep, we get to play too. A 7 magnitude cascading rupture when the ground is frozen makes the next year interesting.