Timber Framing is the technique of constructing structures using heavy timber rather than the ordinary light timber. This method has been in use since the 19th century and even earlier. Modern timber frame buildings are structurally strong beautiful, energy efficient and durable.
Traditionally, it is a method of making structures utilizing heavy square-off and nicely fitted and joined timber where the joints are made by large wooden pegs. It is very economical since structures are made out of logs and tree trunks without in cooperating modern high technology such as modern tools and equipment. There are numerous styles of framing that are categorized by the type of roofing structure, foundation and nature of the walls.
Timber framing is not commonly used nowadays due to the intensive campaigns across the world discouraging deforestation. Despite its disadvantages there are many advantages of timber framing. Through the use of large timber, a building made of timber allows little or no temperature exchange between the outside and inside of the building. This constitute of its basic merits of timber framing. Modern buildings that are constructed using timber use Structural Insulated Panels that reduce the spaces between each timber that increases the insulation capabilities. Another advantage of timber framing is that the buildings are very durable.
The structures can withstand strong forces like earthquakes tsunami and hurricanes. They do also have better fire resistance ability due to the outstanding fire resistance of heavy timber. Even after experiencing a fire, most of the timber can be reused to erect other structural fixtures in a new design. lts design flexibility makes it extraordinary since the timber frames buildings possess the ability to adapt the interior floor plan, light the house with the natural light and utilize the drywall. The buildings have strong exterior walls making customization of inner walls very easy. Interior walls are not needed to maintain the shape of the structure, and this minimizes on the usage of timber since walls are placed where desired.
The average sized timber-frame building can be constructed within two to three days. Use of less time counts to the advantages of timber framing. It saves a lot of time to erect a house since a stone-house requires an average of one month to complete. Timber framing is tailored to suit customer taste and preference since modifications can be made to fit the desirable structure. There are very many advantages of timber framing ranging from durability, energy efficient, design flexibility and its ability to be completed within less time I recommend people to consider timber framing so much due to its outstanding features.
