The Importance of Timber Frames and Trusses
Timber frames and trusses are vital components in the construction of your new timber home. They are not only structurally important but also add to the aesthetics and character of your home. They are also more energy efficient than conventional concrete and masonry structures, and they can be insulated with Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs).
In timber frame construction, a truss is a piece of wood that runs from floor to ceiling. There are several types of trusses, including king post, queen post, and gunstock. A king post truss is the most common. Its design is economical and offers a high load-carrying capacity. Its main tie beams are placed closer together than in other trusses, which creates an intimate feeling.
A gunstock truss is similar to the king post truss but has different dimensions. It is shaped like a rifle butt, and it can create a strong appearance for your home. Another option is a peaked truss, which has an attractive appearance and a low profile.
The main advantage of timber trusses is that they are prefabricated, which speeds up the erection process and reduces costs. They can be used in a variety of building designs and can be fabricated to meet your specific requirements. They are also lighter than steel trusses and can be handled easily. They also allow for long spans, giving you more flexibility with your floor plan layout.
Prefabricated timber framed buildings can also be weathertight much quicker than brick and block framed buildings. This allows interior trades, such as plastering and electrical wiring to start work at an earlier stage in the build programme. It is important to allow time for the timber frame's moisture content to stabilise before cladding can be started.