FAQs

• When should I get in touch with a time frame supplier?

  The earlier, the better!

  It’s more important than ever to engage with your timber frame supplier early. We can assist with design, building regulations and planning challenges, so if you take your questions to the specialist from the outset, we can value engineer and it could prove to be much more cost effective.

  We also run your SAPS calcs and we have our own PSI Values, so getting us involved from the outset can save duplication, wasted time and extra costs.

• I’ve just got planning on my Class Q barn conversion – can I use offsite manufacture?

  Yes! Offsite timber frame is extremely well suited to barn conversions.

  Timber frame is one of the most flexible building materials when it comes to design – we can create bespoke timber solutions to overcome all kinds of challenges. Plus, adopting a fabric first timber frame approach ensures optimum energy-efficiency to turn a building never intended for residential dwelling into a cosy, warm, modern home.

  If you’re looking for extra advice on a barn conversion, we’ve covered a number of areas in this blog post: www.frametechnologies.co.uk/barn-conversions-need-to-know/

  For any other questions, please just get in touch.

• Can I include open plan spaces and high ceilings with timber frame?

  All design features can be created with timber frame – including high ceilings and wide, open plan spaces. Our motto is ‘if it can be drawn, it can be built!’.

  We’ve worked on many projects over the years with clients who have been told by other companies that certain design features can’t be included, and we’ve come up with a workable solution using timber frame.

  If the design requires it, timber frame manufacturers can add in structural steel work for additional stability, for example where the design requires large, glazed openings. This could be in gable ends where steelwork can be wrapped with the timber frame; however, it’s imperative that the timber frame engineer designs this.

• What are the insulation options for my timber frame package?

  Insulation options are key, but it depends on your key drivers for the project. If your budget is very tight, it will limit your choice on options as the cost per sq metre changes a lot when dealing with something like PIR and then wanting to move to more natural solutions.

  At Frame Technologies we have three options in our Tech Vantage Range:

  We use PIR in our Tech Vantage E solution, delivering U Values from Building Regs down to 0.09 U value for all cladding solutions.

  Our Tech Vantage S Solution is a hybrid system that uses a 140mm stud sheathed externally with 35mm woodfibre, then fully filled with Glasswool / Cellulose/ Sheepswool etc, accompanied by a 9mm OSB sheathing on the inside and a PIR Insulation liner from 50mm to 100mm to deliver the lower U values – by using both options we keep the overall wall thickness down (with natural insulation you have to remember you will need to allow bigger wall thicknesses in your early design).

  Then we have the ultimate Tech Vantage T solution, which is a double stud system with Woodfibre or Medite Vent externally, a double stud fully filled with Glasswool / Cellulose/ Sheepswool etc, then sheathed internally with Pro Passiv board. This performs very well with reduced thermal bridging due to the separated studs, with U values from 0.13 down to 0.09 u value.

• What building components does a typical timber frame package include?

  Typically, we supply all the external walls, all the internal walls, the first floor floor system and usually metal web joists (so you can run all your services through without having to notch or drill for MVHR etc). We also supply roof solutions with roof trusses or loose roofs.

  A crucial thing to make sure when you receive quotes to compare is that ALL structural steel work to support the timber frame is included. This is key and can be an expensive surprise when you find it’s not included. A supplier should also include all mechanical handling to unload and erect the timber frame – so you have a fixed cost.

• Do you offer a hybrid build system? (For example using SIPS or ICF)

  At Frame Technologies, we design, manufacture and install a wide range of timber frame solutions, including our own TechVantage™ Systems, which deliver exceptional energy-efficient building envelopes, with the capability of exceeding building regulations to deliver Passivhaus performance, if the brief demands it. If an insulated concrete formwork (ICF) structure is being used as a basement, we can also install a timber frame on to it. The two build systems really complement each other in this situation.

• What are some aspects to consider before choosing a timber frame package home (design limitations, for example)?

  Now more than ever, self-builders are looking for offsite construction systems that come with warranties that will satisfy the requirements of lenders, insurers and, importantly, Building Regulations. When investigating a provider, make sure you look at companies that are members of the Structural Timber Association (STA).

• What is a timber frame structure and how is it made?

  Timber frame has long been a popular system among self-builders due to its speed of build, quality, and thermal and environmental benefits. Plus, as it offers a complete build solution – providing all the walls, floors and roof with one engineer and one point of contact – it gives much better programme certainty and cost control. The frame is prefabricated to your chosen design in a factory setting.

• What roof components are available?

  Our variety of roof solutions can be integrated into most designs. Possibilities span from truss options to traditional cut roofs, to metal web rafters for roof application. We supply all structural members, gable ladders and metalwork in the formation of your roof design.

• What are your sheathing board & breather paper options?

  There is a sheathing board option to suit every client in our wide product range. You can also upgrade to Wood Fibre, a fibreboard that improves panel thermal performance. At Frame Technologies, we supply two types of breather paper: TF 200 Corovin and the TF 200 Thermo foil for improved thermal performance.

• What are the specifications of your external & internal panels?

  We use suppliers who source FSC® and PEFC timber from well-managed forests for the manufacture of external panels. Openings for these factory-assembled open cell panels are formed, sheathed externally and factory-fitted with breather paper. Panels are secured with stainless steel staples on polypropylene tapes that indicate stud positions. Panel sizes are bespoke but are usually 2414mm high to suit plasterboard sizes and 2400mm wide to enable manual erection. Stud centres are maximum 600mm to comply with our engineering requirements unless otherwise specified by our engineer. The external panels can be supplied in 90mm x 38mm, 140mm x 38mm or as our double panel system.

  All internal panels are factory assembled with openings and usually measure at 90mm x 38mm. Walls may be sheathed with 9mm OSB for structural reasons, and head binders are supplied to fix to the head of panels, tying them together. These are supplied as pre-cut/random and are available in widths to suit any timber frame size.

• Do you supply soleplate & floor components?

  Pre-cut and random soleplates for single layers are available in 90mm x 38mm, 140mm x 38mm or as a double panel set up to fit your timber frame.  We will include the appropriately sized DPC for fixing below the soleplates and proprietary straps. Alternatively, we will provide fixings for securing the soleplates to the slab or block up stand as specified by our engineer.  Customers should provide radon protection, which must be installed prior to the erection of the timber frame.

  Pre-cut floor joists include trimmers, beams and blocking. Standard floor joists are available in 195mm x 45mm and 220mm x 45mm.  Engineered floor joists are available in depths of 225mm, 256mm or 304mm.

  Floor cassettes are available on request for projects that require shorter erection periods and have full access for crane erect.  We supply 22mm peel clean tongue and groove P5 chipboard with tape for joints and nail holes or 18mm OSB sub-deck for use with underfloor heating systems and soundproof floor applications.

• What drawings do you need?

  Before proceeding with your design, we require 1:50 scale drawings in electronic (.DWG files) or hard copy format. These should include floor plans, elevations, sections and a door and window schedule. We will use this information to produce timber frame drawings and structural calculations for submission to your Local Authority. If requested in writing at the order stage, we can also produce HB353B certificates for the NHBC.

• Are Frame Technologies a member of the Structural Timber Association (STA)?

  Yes, Frame Technologies is a member of the Structural Timber Association (STA). We have been independently audited for the STA’s membership and quality standards scheme, STA Assure, and were the first to achieve the ultimate Gold Standard Accreditation.

  The STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme has been developed to offer assurances to self-builders by promoting the differing accreditations and quality standards that are held by members. STA Assure has received formal recognition from the NHBC (National House Building Council) and six industry leading structural warranty and building control bodies.

• How do I ensure I select a quality system?

  Now more than ever, self-builders are looking for offsite construction systems that come with warranties that will satisfy the requirements of lenders, insurers and, importantly, Building Regulations. When investigating a provider, make sure you look at companies that are members of the Structural Timber Association (STA).

• Are there any design limitations of timber frames?

  Timber construction allows great flexibility to suit different budgets and meet the requirements of even the trickiest building plots. Timber frame can create a huge range of awe-inspiring properties, from traditional farmhouses clad in stone to contemporary buildings with curves and slick white render finishes. Lifestyles are changing and the demands on our living spaces are challenging the traditional layout of the family home. The only limit is your imagination!

• What is a U-value?

  A U-value is the rate of transfer of heat through a structure, divided by the difference in temperature across that structure. It shows, in units of W/m²K, the ability of an element to transmit heat from a warm space to a cold space in a building, and vice versa. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation.

  Frame Technologies’ insulation solutions can achieve between 0.30 and less than 0.09 W/ m²K, meeting the minimum required U-value of 0.30W/ m²K in external walls of new build homes. Our insulation solutions can also comply with any Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and calculation requirements.

• What are the thermal benefits of a new timber frame home?

  The best way to create an efficient property is with a fabric-first design and by optimising the performance of the structural envelope. Panelised timber systems are inherently thermally efficient as the very makeup is packed with insulation. There is no doubt that optimising the external fabric is the most cost-effective and reliable route to define and optimise the energy performance of the building.

• Is self-build cheaper than buying from a developer?

  On average building your own home can be cheaper compared to buying a new build house from a developer. This is because you will be keeping what profit the developer would have made for yourself.  As you can be involved in the build process as little or as much as you want, more input in the choice and procurement of components, quality control and ensuring better value.

• Why is offsite production a benefit for timber frame self-builders?

  roducts manufactured offsite can help to optimise the quality, productivity and predictability of your home’s structure. Production under stringent factory conditions offers a higher level of efficiency and shorter onsite construction timescales. This can help you to save weeks on your overall project time, which will in turn reduce your overheads. The quality-controlled factory environment also means fewer delays due to bad weather, plus reduced waste and onsite defects. What’s more, innovations in the product portfolio, such as closed panel timber frame, have resulted in highly insulated structural solutions.

• What is stick build and can I use this method?

  Once the mainstay of the timber frame industry, stick build is a term that describes structures that are constructed onsite from individual timber elements, usually by joiners using traditional methods and hand tools. However, this approach to timber frame does not carry any recognised industry certification or quality assurances, so you may find it hard to secure site insurance or structural warranties easily or affordably. If you are considering a stick build approach, we would advise that you consult building control, together with your lenders and insurers, to gain their approval before work commences.

• Is timber frame more of a fire risk than other materials?

  A well-built timber frame building poses no greater risk than any other method; timber frame is in fact leading the way in safety and sustainability. Timber frame is used extensively around the world and is recognised as being able to deliver high performance sustainable buildings.

• Are timber frame houses a fire risk?

  Fire safety has been around for a long time for all forms of construction, and when built well, timber frame houses are no more of a risk than any other material. The Structural Timber Association (STA) has undertaken many sets of fire testing in controlled conditions to really understand the situation. As a member of the STA, every project must now be registered and assessed at quotation stage – which is one of many reasons why a self-builder should only ever use a STA member to design, manufacture and erect their new home.

• Why build in timber frame?

  The main advantages of choosing timber frame are speed, value and sustainability. Other advantages include the fact that as timber components are manufactured in a factory environment, this also heightens project efficiency, minimises delays and reduce time and disruption onsite. You can find more details on this on our timber frame page.

• What are the benefits to self-build?

  Benefits of building your own home include the ability to design a home to your exact specifications, as well as creating a home that can adapt to meet current and future needs.

• What does self-build mean?

  Self-build is the act of creating a bespoke home that is tailored to your design requirements and suits your lifestyle, as well as your budget. According to The National Custom and Self-build Association (NaCSBA), research found that 1 in 3 people are interested in self-building in the UK and 9% of people said they were likely to build their own home in the future.

  The main benefit of building your own property is the ability to design a home to your exact specifications, as well as creating a home that can adapt to meet current and future needs.

• Is it cheaper to build a timber frame house?

  While in terms of materials used, timber isn’t necessarily more or less expensive than other building options, building with timber frame does provide a greater degree of cost certainty. And as the frame is prefabricated to your chosen design in our factory in Presteigne, you can pay for it relatively early in the process – allowing greater clarity on your budget.

• Can I build my own timber frame house?

  The simple answer is yes! You can build your own timber frame house with Frame Technologies. Timber frame is a great way to construct a bespoke new house if you’re looking to DIY. There are many benefits to timber frame buildings. They’re quick and relatively inexpensive to build and deliver warm, sustainable, breathable and efficient options.

• How much does it cost to build a timber frame home?

  As each self-build home we work on is unique, the cost to build a timber frame house varies according to the individual specification.

  When working out the build costs, we estimate that you could expect to spend anything between £325-£350.00 per square metre of floor area, which includes Building regs drawings.

  Obviously beyond construction costs there are a number of other costs which will need to be factored in, including how much work you plan to do yourself, and this will have an impact on your budget.