The timber frame system is a fixed cost solution. As programming and costing are more predictable than traditional site-based methods. This ensures that the additional expenses that spiral as a building progress can be eliminated.
Building in timber frame can reduce your construction time by up to 30%. Even in certain weather conditions the timber frame erection process can be completed, as a full scaffolding system is in place before work commences. The internal trades such as plumbers and electrician can begin work as soon as the timber frame structure is up. This means these trades will be working on a house within a week of construction beginning, resulting in a greater return on investment.
All ITFMA members are quality accredited under the NSAI Timber Frame Manufacturing scheme in principal and practice. Stringent factory quality controls enhance the manufacture process. This means that there are standards set for materials quality, design and engineering quality and manufacturing process quality, all of which offer consumers greater confidence in the product which they are being supplied. As units are built in state of the art factory settings using the latest CAD technology, the accuracy of the finished product can be measured to within +/- 1mm. This greatly reduces on site problems and makes life easier for the other following on trades. Importantly there is also less reliance on wet trade skills at a time when there is an apparent shortage.
Health & Safety method statements and erecting sequence as well as craneage plan and necessary exclusion zones will be provided prior to arrival on site.
Comprehensive erecting plans and standard details are all provided prior to delivery.
All timber frames are erected by competent and experienced personnel who have been audited by the timber frame company as part of their NSAI registration.
A full scaffolding is erected before panels arrive onsite which offers all tradespersons an extra barrier of safety in their working environment. Due to a reduction in waste and excess material coming to site there are less unnecessary hazards. Timber frame sites are far tidier and therefore safer than other sites.
With the introduction of the new NZEB requirement, Timber frame offers excellent thermal efficiency, low thermal bridging and excellent air tightness which is why it is becoming an increasingly popular choice in order to meet the requirements of NZEB.
Timber Frame has always been at the forefront of thermal efficiency and modern hybrid wall systems have insulation and air tightness membranes factory fitted. Typically timber wall panels U Values range from Passive to 0.15W/m2K.
In addition the detailing of timber fame systems allow for reduced thermal bridging and corresponding PSI values. This allows BER assessors to calculate and apply enhanced Y Values which will provide better Energy Performance Rating.
The timber frame industry has conducted extensive fire testing of walls, floors and trusses to EN 1365 at test facilities at Exova Warrington and Effectis in the Netherlands. These details are published in a range of publications by the Department of housing which provide Prima Facia compliance with the building regulations.
All Separating Walls are supplied with factory fitted insulation and with fire rated sheathing in place. This allows for precision construction with the advantages of factory controlled quality procedures.
Timber is the only sustainable renewable commercially viable building material. The production of concrete produces vast amounts of Carbon Dioxide (C02) , which has a negative impact on the environment and contributes significantly to global warming. Wood on the other hand reduces the effect of global warming by extracting C02 from the air, it is a carbon sink. All timbers used by ITFMA members in timber frame manufacture comes from sustainable managed forests. As timber frame houses are superior in their energy efficiency, less fuel is used to heat them, thereby reducing both emissions & heating bills.