Which building material is known for its tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes?

Wood is a building material known for its sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity, leading to expansion and contraction. This property is primarily due to wood's organic composition, which contains moisture that can absorb in humid conditions and release in drier conditions. As temperatures rise or fall, wood fibers expand and contract, which can affect the integrity of structures if not properly accounted for in design and construction.

This characteristic makes wood particularly important to consider when constructing or inspecting buildings in varying climates. Unlike wood, materials like concrete and brick have a much lower rate of expansion and contraction, making them more stable under temperature fluctuations. Asphalt can also expand and contract, but to a lesser extent than wood, especially considering environmental factors and the specific type of asphalt used. In contrast, wood's natural propensity to respond to moisture and temperature changes is the primary reason it is recognized for this characteristic.