Timber Framed Homes

Timber Framed constructions have been used very successful around the world for a long time and it is one of the main methods that is gaining popularity with the self builders of Ireland. As far as the look of a house you will not be able to differentiate between a Concrete Home and a Timber Framed home as they both have the same appearance on the outside. Both constructions have a similar type of finish for the external walls.

Timber Framed houses are mainly made of a softwood panels (Stud Walls) for internal walls and in most cases masonry construction for the external wall. The internal walls are made of the wooden panels with heat and sound installation inside.

Timber Framed houses are known to be popular due to the facts that they are more environmental friendly and energy efficient.

Advantages of a Timber Framed Homes;

• Very fast as far as erecting the construction on the site. The inner shelf and roof trusses can go up within 2 to 3 days.
• They can be bought as a package through specialist suppliers, in most cases with predesigned plans.
• More environmental friendly.
• If constructed properly, more energy efficient.
• Easier to work with as far as internal plumbing and electric’s

Disadvantages of Timber Framed Homes;

• Construction time to build the walls to the specification at the suppliers.
• You must decide about the location of all your units and shelves at design stage in order for placement of studs in the walls to support them.
• Slight chance of dry rot or wood worm if the timber is not treated properly in the first place. Make sure that you choose a proper professional company.

As time goes on there are more and more Timber Framed manufacturers starting in Ireland, but not all of them are members of The Irish Timber Frame manufacturers Association. In order to assure a good construction and be able to obtain a mortgage and insurance for your build it is recommended that you contact the above association to check on the listing of their members.

Our thanks to ITFMA for the following Q & A:

Q: How is a timber frame house different from a masonry house?

A: A modern masonry house is usually made of an inner supporting wall of concrete blocks , a cavity and outer leaf of concrete blocks faced with brick work, timber cladding or an alternative render. In modern timber frame construction the inner load bearing/support wall is replaced by an engineered rigid timber frame structure.

Q: Are you more at risk from fire in a timber frame house?

A: No. Similarly to all forms of home construction timber frame has to meet our National Building Regulations - this includes fire. Safety in timber frame is our number one commitment and timber frame has an excellent performance record.

Q: Will a timber frame home last?

A: There is an expectation in Ireland that all homes have a 60 year life expectance, although most last a lot longer than this. This is true for Timber frame aswell. There are fantastic examples of timber frame construction from the 12th Century.

Q: Will I get a mortgage on a timber frame home?

A: The same principals apply for a timber frame home as for any other home with regard to mortgage applications.

Q: Will I get a more favourabley priced insurance?

A: The same principals apply for a timber frame home as for any other home with regard to insurance packages.

Q: Will a timber frame house look different?

A: If you want it to! In Ireland timber frame houses are indistinguishable from a masonry house, generally because they are faced in similar materials. This is why you should ask is this home timber frame?

Q: Are timber frame homes quiet?

A: Yes, they fully conform to and in many places exceed the most up to date building regulations. Because of its anti-noise characteristics, timber frame technology is now becoming the favoured option in the construction of the latest generation of Irish hotels and nursing homes and schools!.

ITFMA can be contacted on:

• Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers Association
• Denshaw House
• 120/121 Lr. Baggot St,
• Dublin 2
• Tel: 353.1.659 9429
• Fax:353.1.659 9401
• E-mail: info@itfma.ie
• Website: www.itfma.ie