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Can I build in timber frame?

Question

Asked by: B Davies

I hope to self-build on a plot situated 50m above the beach. My architect – endorsed by the local Building Control – recommended timber frame, but my structural engineer has voiced concerns over using this construction system in close proximity to the coast. What would you advise?

Answer

Answered by: Mark Brinkley

Brian, I am with your architect and local Building Control on this one. I don’t think the risks of building in timber frame in an exposed location are any different to building in masonry. That’s not to say there aren’t risks – your engineer may be right to caution you on this – but the risk is that the external cladding and the protective cavity will not work as planned and that storms will drive water across into the structural inner skin of the house. This is bad news, whatever the construction system.

In fact, timber frame has a slight advantage in this respect as its insulation is buried inside the timber studwork and doesn’t intrude into the cavity at all, whereas masonry construction will probably call for partial cavity-fill insulation, which is a much more difficult detail to build correctly.

As for residual values, it’s now 25 years since timber frame suffered in this respect. You will still find the odd purchaser who doesn’t like timber frame, but they now tend to be balanced out by others who actually prefer it. If in any doubt, consult a few of the local estate agents. Purchasers tend to worry about location and presentation: the rival claims of competing construction systems rank very low on their checklists!

 

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