WHAT IS A PRE-ENGINEERED TIMBER FRAME?
A traditional cut roof is exactly what it says on the tin, it is a roof where all elements are cut on site and tailored to each individual roof. The overall construction of a cut roof is to ensure the load imposed on it is evenly transmitted to the bearing points below.
The rafters are the main load bearing elements of the roof spanning from the wall plate to the ridge beam. The rafters are sometimes supported by purlins if the rafter length requires it, which act as a beam to support the rafter length. The purlins are supported by struts, which in turn are supported on an internal load bearing wall and the collar ties are used to connect the rafters which prevent them from spreading outwards. The collar ties and hangers are used to improve the overall strength and stability of the roof.
Traditional cut roofing is commonly used when a roof space is intended to be lived in and where the access of a crane is restricted.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PRE-ENGINEERED TIMBER FRAME?
Can be designed to any shape and size building
Timber frames can be constructed in a shorter time frame making them more cost effective to build
Timber frames are not weather dependent
Savings on Prelims
Quicker return on capital outlay
Lightweight structures – often savings in foundation costs
Offsite manufacturing which means that the timber frame is made in a controlled environment
Quicker return on capital outlay
Reduced detailing input and less risk of design related errors
WHAT IS THE INSTALLATION PROCESS OF A PRE-ENGINEERED TIMBER FRAME?
Modern timber frame houses comprise of a variety of panel like sections built from softwood studwork frames, clad each side with either a plywood or OSB board material and often insulated between the studs. All doorways and window openings will exist within the panels that are supplied by the framing manufacturer.
Usually all the panels will be sited with a mobile crane onto a masonry splash course with a DPC between the masonry and panel. The Scaffold would be erected prior to the installation works commencing for safe access.
In ideal situations the panels will be crane lifted directly from the delivery lorry into their intended position to save double handling materials so good organisation regarding the order of deliveries and the way each lorry is loaded is vital.
All load bearing external and internal walls will be sited and fixed together, floor joists and sub-floorboards will then be sited on top of the walls, the process will be repeated until the last floor has been sited enabling roofing carpentry works to commence.
Each side of the external walls will then have a moisture and vapour barrier installed to protect the timber panels from rainwater and condensation.
Ordinarily modern timber frame buildings still work as a cavity wall system with the timber frame panels being the internal skin of the outer walls, then the cavity space and then the outside façade being built from a foundation and tied to the timber frame with wall ties.
Payne Carpentry have extensive experience in the many types of pre-engineered timber frame. We manage our clients’ needs by providing time and cost saving solutions by carrying out the following compulsory works procedures as part of our standard service.
We have been leading Devon’s carpentry industry with superior quality, reliable communication and efficient, effective solutions. If you have a project you would like us to work on, we would love to hear from you.