Engineered Timber Frame Systems

Self Build FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Kingspan Century supply and erect the pre-manufactured timber frame structure, which includes the external wall panels, internal partitions and roof trusses.

We also supply felt  and battens, plasterboard and both thermal and acoustic insulation.

 

You would be advised to engage the services of other trades for the following:

  • The base foundations
  • The external finish of your home i.e Block or brick work for your outer walls and tiles or slates for your roof finish
  • Plumbing and electrical services
  • Windows and doors

Timber Frames are highly insulated and achieve very low U-Values (a u-value is a measure of thermal performance, with lower values being better). Field Studies have shown that Timber Frame insulation correlates with the calculated U Values, while Partial Fill Cavity insulation (Masonry) can be up to twice the calculated U Value.

As timber is a natural insulant, timber frames also minimise heat loss through thermal bridging, which can be problem in other  forms of construction. Timber frame also have very good airtightness which eliminates drafts and further improves thermal performance

In addition, timber frame has a faster thermal response than concrete, this means the house comes up to temperature faster. In a masonry house, it can take quite some time to heat, as block needs to be warm before the house comes up to temperature.

In terms of the exterior finish, a timber frame home will look no different to a home built by more traditional methods.

However, the similarities tend to end there. Timber frame offers a rapid build construction which will reduce your build time by at least 12 weeks compared to traditional build methods.

As we provide a highly insulated and airtight building fabric, manufactured under a strict quality controlled environment, you can be assured that the performance of your new home is achieved in reality and not just on paper.

Timber Frame houses meet all fire standards required under the current building regulations. Insurance and financial institutions do not differentiate between timber frame and masonry construction.

Most builders would report that a timber frame house can be built in about half the time it takes to build a masonry house, because once a frame is erected more trades-people can work on it at the same time and timber frame is not as weather dependent as conventional building. Also, because timber frame uses significantly less water in the construction process, buildings don't take as long to dry out and are ready for decorating far sooner.

Yes. A new timber frame home will last as well as any other type of new home. Softwood timber frame houses have been built in the UK since the nineteenth  century and are still going strong. Your timber frame home will be there for generations to come to enjoy.

The life expectancy of our Timber frame systems is the same as that you would expect from traditional construction.

Because timber frame  generally consists of prefabricated wall and floor panels, some lifting equipment is usually required. Typically, a crane would be hired for the time it takes to get the trusses loaded onto the roof.

The motive behind the introduction of the BER, is to stimulate property owners to invest in upgrading the energy performance of their buildings. Part L of the building regulations laid down minimum thermal performance and insulation standards for new buildings and material alterations or extensions to buildings.

A modern masonry house is normally made of an inner supporting wall of concrete blocks and an outer supporting wall of brick. A modern timber frame house replaces the inner wall with a timber frame strong enough to carry all the loads of the house. This is usually covered by plasterboard internally and a brick external finish.

If you have any further questions or technical queries regarding timber frame construction, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yes. Many jobs are easier because of the good fixing you can get in the vertical studs. But as always with DIY activities, you should  follow basic health and safety guidelines.

Because timber frame only affects the internal leaf of the house and has no impact on the visual impact of the building, it does not have any planning implications and therefore would not necessitate a new planning application.

 As timber frame buildings incorporate all of the wall insulation in the wall structure itself, a 50mm cavity is all that is required. Masonry houses usually incorporate the insulation in the cavity,  which  would typically have a 100mm cavity. Therefore, some adjustment may be necessary. Our Sales team will be happy to discuss your plans with you to recommend a solution.

No. Typically, timber frame houses are clad in brick and look like any other house. But a range of materials are suitable, eg. Stone, block and render, or timber boarding.

Yes. Modern timber frame systems enjoy better acoustic insulation qualities than masonry and fully conform to, and exceed Building Regulation requirements.

If you have any further questions or technical queries regarding timber frame construction, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to hear from you and answer your queries.

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On receipt of your enquiry, our Sales team will review your plans to provide an initial review of the appropriate technical solution. Following this assessment, we will prepare a quotation that best suits your requirements

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Kingspan Century

Kingspan Century Limited

Clones Road

Monaghan

H18 TX09

+353 (0)47 38400