NSAI
National Standard Authority Ireland
 The Timber Frame Company is a Member of the NSAI

  • In timber frame, all timbers in the external wall are treated with preservative. This applies to the timber framing ( studs, rails, sole plate etc.), header joists and where appropriate timber cavity barriers. The sheathing is usually not treated. Treatment is normally considered to be a precautionary measure as the risk of attack by insect or fungi is considered to be low in a well ventilated and drained wall cavity. Treatment is in accordance with BS 5268 part 5.

  • All buildings must comply with the building regulations. Timber frame is no different in this respect. Timber frame is a well tried system that has been around for quite a few years and originated in North America in the 1830's. The period of fire resistance is specified in the Technical Guidance Documents B (fire). Generally for domestic buildings external and load bearing walls and floors are required to have a fire resistance of 30 minutes. Separating walls are required to have a fire resistance of 60 minutes. Standard timber frame construction has no difficulty with or exceeding these requirements. Fire resistance is achieved in a similar way as a standard timber floor through the contribution of the different components. In the case of a timber frame wall, the primary contribution is through the use of plasterboard. 
    There are no insurance issues with timber frame. If you come across any problems it would likely to be in a branch office or with someone who is unaware that the head offices of these companies have agreed not to impose surcharges.

  • Maintenance is essentially no different to a masonry home house.

  • Timber frame houses should be durable provided the external walls are treated with timber preservative. The Irish climate will not impact on a timber frame house providing the workmanship is correct and the proper materials are used. This applies for any building.

  • There are no issues with the planing permission provided you use a recognised timber frame supplier.

  • There are no issues with HomeBond - but you can check with HomeBond direct -- 
    1850 306300

  • The only chemical used are in the external walls. Most manufacturers now use a water based preservative which is more environmentally friendly. People's sensitivity and allergies vary from individual to individual.

  • Usually white deal or Sitka Spruce. Timber is now specified by strength class and in theory any strength class can contain different species.

  • All timber frame buildings must be designed by an engineer. Any special requirements would be specified by the engineer.

  • All buildings must be designed for their location irrespective of that location. If a building is on the west coast it would be designed to resist higher wind forces than if it were on the east coast. The resistance of a building depend on its shape, height. Size of wall openings and construction. How an individual building will resist wind forces will be determined and specified by the designer. The cost, how and where any special anchor details are used will depend on the design.

  • It is possible to have larger openings - but the design engineer may have to specify special details.

  • There are no sound requirements for a detached house. There are requirements for a semi-detached house but these only relate to the separating wall. In masonry houses timber studding is frequently used for the internal walls and on occasion for dry lining for the external walls. Sound insulation tends to be a matter of mass and structural isolation. For internal walls it is mainly just mass. If added sound resistance properties were desired, then they can easily be provided through thicker plasterboard or the use of sound insulation or the use of special boards specifically for sound reduction. It should be noted that sound is a complicated issue and one that can be affected by doors and windows.


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The Timber Frame Company
Drinagh Business Park,
Sinnottstown Lane, Wexford
Telephone: 053 9144200 Fax: 053 9144079
Email: info@ttfc.ie
Web: www.ttfc.ie

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