Working at Height: Installing a New Roof

Posted on: 25 May 2017

A timber-framed home doesn't refer to one that is just built with wood; most homebuilders use wood studs and joists for the house's frame, but those homes are called stick-built. Timber frames refer to frames that are made with large, dense beams rather than standard studs and joists. These timber beams are typically rounded so they look very natural and rustic, and then stained or shellacked for a nice shine, and are left exposed after construction. If you're thinking of having a new home built, note a few reasons why a timber frame can be a good choice.

Stronger

Dense timber beams are stronger and more durable than wood studs and joists, so a timber-framed home may be more likely to stay erect in strong storms, during floods and earthquakes, and when exposed to other such disasters and risks. If you're building on a flood plane, in an area with strong storms, or on a sloped or hilly site, a timber frame can help keep your home strong and sturdy.

Note, too, that the density of the timber frames makes them more resistant to fires than standard wood studs. If your home is at risk of a brushfire, a timber frame can be the best choice.

Window placement

You may know that the interior of a home built with timber framing can stay very open, as you may need few, if any, load-bearing walls inside the space. However, you may not have realized that a timber-framed home can also mean more windows or larger windows for the home, as the beams are usually spaced much further apart than wood studs. If you want a large picture window along one side of the house, or want to include an oversized sliding door to the patio, timber framing can be the best choice to accommodate these preferences.

SIP insulation

A timber-framed home is usually constructed with what are called structural insulated panels, and these are used in place of drywall and insulation. These SIP panels are often more effective at insulating your home than fibreglass, blown foam, cellulose, and other such insulating choices. In turn, your home may be more comfortable throughout the year, and you may save money on your utilities, as you won't need to run the heating and air conditioning so often. You may even be able to install a smaller and less powerful furnace and central air conditioning unit; this can also save you money on your new home construction.