Whether you’re planning a new home or have an older timber frame house that needs repairing, choosing a contractor who can provide you with quality artistry at a reasonable price is essential. There are many benefits to choosing a professional to construct your timber frame home, but you’ll also want to make sure you’re aware of the common pitfalls.
Groundworks
Using a timber frame to build your self-built house is one of the most eco-friendly and cost-effective options.
Despite this, timber frame construction still requires some groundwork. First, you will need to level the ground and clear it. You can do this with a JCB or a lorry. Next, you will need to mark out wall positions with pegs.
Another thing to do is install a breather membrane, allowing your timber frame to breathe. This will reduce air leakage and provide weather protection during the build.
You might also want to consider installing a vapour control layer to restrict airflow, which will save you on energy bills.
Another option is to use steel sheet piling. This can be interlocked to form a continuous wall, which is excellent for plots with adjacent buildings.
You’ll need a good bricklayer. Unfortunately, finding a competent one is becoming more and more difficult. You might be better off going for a pre-manufactured home. These are built to a higher standard and are usually constructed faster than traditional houses.
For a smaller site, you might prefer sheet piling. This method is also suitable for areas that are prone to flooding.
The best part about timber frame construction is that it will only get stronger with time. It’s also thermally efficient.
The most important thing to remember is that you’ll need to find a reliable manufacturer to build your self-build house. You should also check that they offer the services you need.
Foundation walls
Choosing the best foundation for your timber frame house is a crucial step. It is essential to ensure that the structure can withstand earthquakes and wind uplift loads.
Several types of foundations can be used in timber frame construction. The most common type is the strip foundation. These concrete slabs extend to a certain depth on either side of the wall.
Another common form of construction is the stem wall. This type of foundation rests on concrete footers and is more stable. It does not require reinforced concrete and can be used on sites with lots of fill dirt.
Another option is the post and pier foundation. This can be an economical alternative to perimeter wall construction. It is also easy to construct and is less likely to rot than concrete.
Another foundation is the vapour barrier. This keeps water vapour away from the insulation. This is often used in conjunction with a bituminous coating.
It is a good idea to get advice from your architect or building control officer before deciding on a suitable foundation. They will know which type of foundation will work best for your property.
The size of your building will determine the stresses it will incur on the ground. In addition, you will need to consider the size of the structural studs and hold-downs that will support the wooden frames.
Structural insulated panels (SIPS)
During the 1970s, more builders began using structural insulated panels (SIPs) to construct homes. SIPs were selected because of their energy efficiency and solid insulating value. Today, panelized homes are becoming the norm in the US.
SIPs were initially developed as non-structural cladding for timber frame houses. However, they have since evolved into a complete structural system. With the proper construction methods, they can achieve high performance. They can reduce the amount of wood needed by up to 30%, thereby saving money. Using SIPs in hybrid builds can help create long-lasting timber frame homes.
Unlike traditional framing, SIPs can be easily assembled on the job site. SIPs are also airtight. They can be used for roofs, walls and floors. They are designed to withstand axial loads. Despite their strength, they can be susceptible to moisture damage. Consequently, an effective jointing system is essential.
To prevent moisture from entering the SIPs, a spline joins the panels. In addition, an elongated service void is created. This is wide enough to house heating services and electrical services. In addition, a 25mm x 50mm timber batten is placed in the service void.
The structural grade OSB facings provide a solid base for the panel. The face can be made of aluminium, steel or plywood. It is also possible to have curved panels. The most common wall panels are 1.2m x 2.7m.
Rot and infestation
Whether you live in a modern timber frame house or a historic property, it’s essential to understand how to prevent and treat rot and infestation in your home. Then, you can take simple steps to protect your investment and keep your home looking great.
First, you’ll want to identify the type of rot and infestation you’re dealing with. Wet rot is the most common cause of timber decay from moisture entering the woodwork. To avoid a problem with dampness, consider clearing gutters and roof valleys.
You might also consider getting a specialist to perform tests using micro-drilling and infrared thermography. Depending on the nature of the rot, you may also want to remove the affected timbers and replace them.
You may also be able to get your hands on a specialized resin that will harden and protect the affected wood. In addition, you might consider installing a dehumidifier to help combat dry rot.
Depending on your budget, you can use a fungicide to kill off the rot. First, you can choose a ready-to-use product or a concentrate. Then, you can apply it with a brush or low-pressure sprayer.
The most effective method is to identify the source of the dampness and deal with it before the problem worsens. You might also want to consider installing a data logger to track the moisture level in your timbers.
Sound transmission
Using soundproofing methods in self-built timber frame houses is not simple. Many factors affect the degree of isolation that can be achieved. For example, the type of noise produced in a building, the construction of the building, and the kinds of noise all play a role.
The primary way to reduce sound transmission is to isolate parts of the structure. There are several ways to accomplish this. Some of these include installing sound batts, Green Glue, and QuietRock.
Another method is to increase the sound reduction index. You can achieve this by installing a layer of gypsum board on one face of a wall. You can also install a thick layer of high-density insulation in the wall cavity. This increases the thermal resistance and provides acoustic insulation.
You can also increase the acoustic performance of the partitions by adding a mineral wool quilt. You can also use resilient channels to decouple airborne vibrations. However, these are not soft enough to isolate structural deflection.
In addition to the materials listed above, you can make your timber frame house more soundproof by installing a metal channel or a secondary ceiling. You can improve the soundproofing of your timber frame home by choosing the right windows.
Another way to increase the sound reduction index is to enclose the wall in a wood or metal furring strip. You can install this directly on the wall or fasten it to the wood or metal framing. The strips should be spaced as structurally as possible.
Cost
Unlike stick-built homes, timber frame houses are more energy efficient. In addition, they offer high-quality materials and craftsmanship. They are also easier on the wallet.
The cost of building a timber frame home depends on many factors. The most important thing to consider is your budget. You may need a loan to cover some of the costs, but getting a mortgage for a timber frame home is possible. If you are self-employed, you can take out a construction loan.
The cost of building a timber-frame home is usually 10-20% higher than a conventionally framed house. Depending on your home style, the price can be anywhere from $150 to $175 per square foot. You can save money by utilizing the services of a general contractor. You can also purchase prefabricated kits from a timber frame supplier.
When building a timber frame home, you’ll need a perfect plot of land. It’s best to choose a spot that’s close to public utilities. This will also help keep the cost down.
For the most part, timber frame companies can’t give you an accurate quote. So instead, they’ll give you a rough estimate. Then, they’re able to revise it over time. The more precise cost estimation comes from a price-per-square-foot system.
You might want to consider a custom design instead. But unfortunately, the cost of a highly customized project can run into hundreds of thousands.