Timber frame buildings can last generations, offering a durable yet eco-friendly alternative to concrete or blockwork structures. Plus, their insulation properties reduce long-term energy costs.
Wood can deteriorate with age and be susceptible to moisture damage, pest infestation and mildew growth if left neglected. Proper detailing techniques coupled with Building Control inspections significantly lower this risk.
Lifetime Warranty
Timber frame construction has experienced tremendous growth among DIY self builders over recent years, offering sustainability, affordability and aesthetic appeal. When undertaking any home building project it is essential to secure adequate insurance and warranties; choosing a timber frame manufacturer who provides adequate guarantees on structural timbers for your build should be one of your key priorities.
Structural timber frame guarantees can vary significantly between suppliers, making it essential to shop around carefully in order to select a company who can deliver what is promised. Manufacturers usually provide guarantees as an insurance policy against future failure of the structure – with most offering an NHBC approved warranty and offering up to 10 years latent defects cover that you can use if any future defect develops.
For optimal timber frame warranties, look for manufacturers accredited to ISO 9001 quality control systems. This will ensure that their design, manufacture and erection standards adhere to these quality controls throughout their supply chains – helping you avoid dubious deals with untrustworthy suppliers or unaccredited or inexperienced providers.
Timber frames are usually constructed by fabricating offsite and prefabricating each timber precisely according to predetermined tolerances before being delivered for assembly on site. This allows construction in an environmental controlled setting without exposure to harsh elements, and installation usually occurs within 2-3 weeks allowing heating, plumbing and exterior finishes like cladding to follow shortly afterwards.
Your timber frame building may come with a limited lifetime warranty, so it is essential that you read through its terms and conditions to protect yourself. Any claims must include full details about damage or deterioration and your bill of sale/product serial number to claim. Furthermore, when making warranty claims it must be reported back to the retailer from whom you purchased them with a copy of your product manual for verification purposes.
Structural Warranty
A structural warranty (also referred to as latent defects insurance) protects builders and buyers of timber frame construction from unexpected issues that might develop after completion of building work. A quality 10-year structural warranty offers significant financial protection from major structural issues which might prove expensive to fix in the future.
Timber frame buildings have historically been seen by the insurance market as non-standard construction methods and therefore may attract higher premium rates than brick or block structures. This perception was further strengthened following several high-profile fires during timber construction projects in the early 2000s that made headlines.
However, trust in timber framed structures is slowly rising as the industry learns from tragic events and implements its own fire safety plan and Site Safe documents. At an Insurer Awareness Morning hosted by Gallagher and hosted in partnership with STA recently, 36 insurers and risk engineers representing every major UK insurer attended to witness first-hand how far timber construction industry had come in addressing its concerns.
With more offsite manufacturing and precision engineering taking place, modern timber framed construction now performs similarly to brick and block building when it comes to energy efficiency, structural stability and fire resistance – helping restore trust from warranty providers, insurers and mortgage providers in this proven offsite solution.
Although most issues surrounding insurance and mortgages for timber frame projects have now been addressed, it remains prudent to have in place a structural warranty so any potential problems can be quickly addressed and effectively resolved. This also allows a smooth transfer of understanding and risk intelligence from construction-phase insurer to operational property insurer upon project completion, eliminating delays in getting full cover.
Timber Frame HQ’s structural warranty also covers any issues related to workmanship or manufacturing of the timber frame itself, as well as materials used during its build. Our warranty recognizes that structures naturally adapt and move according to changing weather conditions, so this movement isn’t considered a defect; rather it should be seen as part of its character – so we encourage clients to embrace subtle shifts instead of concealing them with coverings such as cladding.
Cladding Warranty
Cladding warranties provide homeowners with peace of mind that their cladding will last for years. Manufacturers offer warranties to cover weathering and environmental factors that might damage it; however, the warranty may also contain exclusions that should be read carefully to understand exactly what it covers or does not.
Timber frame construction tends to be more resilient than other forms of construction; however, timber can still be susceptible to moisture damage and rot. Therefore, it’s essential for homeowners with timber frame homes that have been properly sealed and maintained; doing so will protect from moisture damage while simultaneously increasing humidity levels within their home and keeping its interior comfortable for living.
Timber frame construction requires more maintenance and upkeep than other forms of building due to timber’s nature as a natural material. Because timber can easily catch fire, it is also essential that proper building techniques be observed when using this type of wood in self-build applications involving self-construction techniques; such as following insulation installation practices properly as well as creating an effective fire barrier which will help ensure the safety of your timber frame home in case of fire damage.
At its core, ensuring your timber frame project is covered by a warranty is best accomplished through engaging a reputable timber frame supplier. They possess the experience to design and construct timber frames correctly while offering comprehensive warranty packages to protect your investment.
If a dispute does arise, your warranty should provide for mediation or arbitration rather than court. Arbitration is less formal than litigation; an arbitrator or panel hears each party’s case before reaching a decision. During this process, homeowners may need to present evidence in support of their claim; should it be successful, compensation will likely come from the company providing their warranty policy.
Insulation Warranty
Timber frame homes require insulation that meets certain thermal performance criteria and must be properly installed to be thermally effective. Any insufficient or improper installation could reduce insulation levels significantly and have negative repercussions for energy efficiency, lifespan of timber and overall costs associated with building one. To ensure proper insulation is achieved in each timber frame home we highly advise hiring certified installers who specialize in timber framing construction projects.
Warranty protection will help to mitigate risks to your home, providing peace of mind that any problems encountered will be taken care of quickly and professionally. It may also help secure lower insurance premiums as most insurance providers give favouritism to timber frame buildings with certification and comprehensive warranties in place.
The STI warranty protects your home for one year against defects in materials and workmanship, the second year against issues with heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems and major structural defects and for an additional ten years against major structural issues. Filing deadlines vary based on the type of defect; in order to preserve your warranty rights it is vital that a claim be filed prior to its coverage period ending; simply discussing an issue with your builder does not count as filing an official claim; make sure that a formal complaint against him/her before making contact!
As a timber framing company, we recognize the significant financial investment a new timber-built home represents and thus provide a full warranty package to provide peace of mind while making sure your project stays on schedule and within budget.
Timber frame buildings have become an increasingly popular choice not only for homes but also offices, hotels, and blocks of flats. Thanks to advances in web posi joist technology and composite material advancements, eight storey timber framed buildings are now being constructed with this type of structure. Furthermore, the National Home Builder’s Council recently launched an insurance pre-assessed system covering CLT/post & beam engineered timber frame buildings up to 18m in height – giving prospective homebuyers peace of mind when selecting this option for construction purposes.
Insurance companies often prefer timber frame construction due to its lower risk and more flexible design and layout options, which may result in cost savings. Therefore, it is crucial that you have adequate building insurance in place from the outset of your project to prevent delays or complications that might arise later.
