Timber frame construction has been growing in popularity across the UK in recent years. This traditional building method combines the strength and versatility of timber with the latest construction techniques and materials.
For homeowners and developers looking to build with timber frame, choosing the right UK timber frame company is key to getting a quality build. This guide will provide an overview of timber frame construction, what to look for when selecting a timber frame company, and best practices for erecting and finishing a timber frame building.
Timber frame construction uses a structural framework of timber studs, rails, joists and trusses to form the load-bearing structure of a building. This timber framework is then clad with a weather-resistant external layer (often brick, block or render) and an internal layer of plasterboard.
In between the external cladding and the internal plasterboard lining is a cavity, which contains insulation along with a breather membrane around the timber frame itself. This cavity helps prevent moisture from penetrating inside the building.
Timber frame is manufactured offsite under controlled factory conditions. The panels are then transported to site and assembled to form the structural framework of the building. Site trades such as bricklayers, plumbers and electricians will then complete the shell ready for the internal fit out.
There are many benefits to choosing timber frame construction:
For these reasons, timber frame is an excellent choice for self-builds, custom homes, developers building housing estates and even commercial projects.
To gain the many benefits of timber frame construction, it’s vital to select an experienced timber frame company. Here are the key things to look for:
Selecting a reputable company with a proven track record gives confidence that your timber frame build will meet the highest quality and performance standards.
Once you’ve appointed a UK timber frame company for your project, the detailed design and factory fabrication process begins.
The company’s in-house engineers will create project-specific drawings, panel layouts, connection details and structural calculations tailored to your building’s design. Features such as openings for windows and doors, service penetrations and attic trusses will all be accounted for.
Computerised machines then cut the timber studs, rails, joists and trusses to precision tolerances. These are assembled into panels with sheathing boards on the outer faces. A breathable membrane will be pre-fixed ready for site installation.
The company schedules the delivery of the panels, roof trusses and other fabricated timber components to coordinate with groundworks and the pouring of the concrete slab foundations.
Thorough quality checks are conducted on the completed panels before they’re loaded ready for transportation to your project site.
On the agreed date, the lorry delivers the timber frame components to site. The panels are unloaded and stored appropriately while preparatory work is completed.
Before erection begins, the company’s site supervisor will conduct a thorough check and sign-off of the slab foundations and sole plates fixed to the slab. Only once the foundations are confirmed as suitable, with no defects, will the go-ahead be given to start erecting the timber frame.
The company’s experienced erectors will then assemble the panels, floors and roof structure with precision. The supervisor checks all panels are plumb and fixings are installed to specification.
On completion, the structurally sound timber frame will be handed over ready for insulation, external brickwork and internal dry lining to begin. Your main contractor project manages these follow-on trades.
During the timber frame erection stage, here are key quality checks the company’s supervisor will make:
Thorough checks at each stage ensure the timber frame shell meets the architectural drawings and is constructed to the highest quality standards.
Once the external brickwork and other structural work nears completion, the next key stage is protecting the timber frame with insulation and internal plasterboard lining.
Before dry lining begins, the timber frame company will check:
With the timber frame envelope confirmed as ready, the dry lining and taping can proceed to provide fire protection and an airtight interior finish.
As the bricklayers build up the external masonry leaf, further checks include:
Careful inspection ensures the detailing comes together as designed and avoids defects that could compromise performance.
One important consideration with timber frame is accommodating the movements between materials as the building settles.
To accommodate this differential movement:
With good design and workmanship, differential movement is effectively handled to prevent future issues.
Timber frame construction combines traditional wood craftsmanship with high-tech precision manufacturing to create quality, sustainable homes and buildings.
Choosing an experienced UK timber frame company is key for a successful project. Look for quality certification, membership of industry bodies and proven expertise across design, fabrication and erection.
Thorough checks during foundation, assembly, insulation and external cladding stages ensure your timber frame building performs as intended – delivering energy efficiency, comfort and reliability for generations to come.
Timber frame foundations should be within +/- 5mm of datum for level over the whole slab, and within 10mm between the diagonals for squareness. Concrete walls should be within 4-7mm of plumb depending on thickness.
Sole plates can be bedded on mortar, packed and grouted beneath or packed with durable spacers. They must be adequately fixed with shot-fired nails or frame brackets and bolts into the concrete.
The timber frame moisture content should be confirmed at 20% or less before vapor barriers, insulation and plasterboard are installed. This ensures timber movement has stabilized.
Penetrations and notches in panels should only be as per project details. Noggins added as service supports. Cables should be de-rated; avoid external wall services if possible.
Key masonry checks include cavity width, venting and cleanliness, wall tie placement, weep vents at openings and compressible fillers at junctions to allow timber frame movement.
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