Reasons To Build a Timber Frame House
Are you planning to build your dream home? One of the most crucial decisions you will have to make is choosing your construction materials. Generally, houses can be built from a wide range of materials, and your choice of material is vital because it can affect your home's structural integrity, energy efficiency and costs, including upfront costs and maintenance costs over the long haul. Therefore, you must choose materials for your home carefully. Timber is among the most standard options you will find when looking for materials for your home. It's also one of the best materials you can choose from. Here's why.
Energy Efficiency
Building an energy-efficient home will save you from high energy bills, and choosing your materials correctly is the best place to start. Consider the thermal performance of the materials you intend to use for your home before you buy. Timber is typically a natural insulator whose insulating properties are better compared to other materials like steel. In addition, with thinner construction, timber frame structures tend to have better thermal performance than their masonry counterparts. That's because timber frames typically allow more insulation space than materials like brick. Therefore, with timber framing, you will need less energy to heat and cool your home.
Construction Speed
Speed matters a great deal in any construction project because it has a significant impact on costs. Generally, timber frame structures are erected faster. That's mainly because the material is lightweight and easy to work with. It's also easier to make modifications to timber frame structures on-site compared to masonry or steel structures.
Design Versatility
There are countless tree species to choose from when it comes to timber structures. The availability of many options means you can always find something that fits your architectural design or style. However, when choosing a type of timber, it's crucial to consider your location, climate, exposure to elements, etc. That's because you must choose an option that can stand up well to harsh elements like exposure to UV rays and heavy rains. In most cases, hardwoods are the preferred option, but they tend to be expensive. However, if you must use softwoods instead, consider chemically treated varieties that generally come with enhanced properties to enable them last longer and withstand extreme weather and pest infestations.
Durability
Timber frame structures are equally durable compared to other structures. Their lightweight property doesn't compromise their longevity. However, maintenance is key to the longevity of your timber structures. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent pest attacks, rotting, shrinking and swelling.
Contact a supplier of timber products to learn more.