The challenges and opportunities of repairing modern timber structures
As an association we have been repairing and preserving timber in buildings for over 90 years. The traditional stuff is now second nature to many of us, but what about modern timber products? The green credentials of products like CLT (Cross laminated timber), for example, is making it an increasingly popular option. Timber frame structures are going twice the market rate. These properties aren’t void of issues so how do we now what good looks like? This is a question we here at the PCA have been giving some consideration to for a while…
Earlier this year we hosted a webinar into dealing with defects in modern timber buildings (Wet Happens: Dealing with it in Modern Timber Buildings). The webinar was excellently presented by Dr John Williams, RSK & James Walker, Milner Associates. Whilst the fundamentals will not be unfamiliar to most (don’t get timber wet or it will rot) this was a fascinating look into repairs on modern manufactured timber. If you missed it, you can still watch it on our YouTube channel, or via our website.
Considering the impacts & challenges of retrofitting timber buildings
At the forthcoming Property Care Conference on 22nd September, John & James will be delving a little deeper and considering the impacts and challenges of retrofitting timber buildings. With challenges comes opportunity. We know the consequences of poor retrofit insulation and as inspectors of dampness in buildings, we see this on a regular basis. As we push to become more carbon neutral, the popularity of timber framed buildings is only set to increase and therefore, a greater understanding of this construction type is critical.
Unfortunately, these resources aren’t very accessible on-site. So what options do you have, to try and establish best practice when looking at modern timber buildings when on site?
Timber Frame Pocket Guide
A few months ago, we picked up a copy of the Timber Frame Pocket Guide, produced by BM Trada and the Structural Timber Association, which is one resource which may provide some assistance.
The book itself is a small pocket size guide and can be easily stored within your surveying bag and forgotten about until you need it. Don’t get me wrong, this book is designed for those building timber structures, including guidance on delivery and storage etc, and for a clerk of works this book would probably be invaluable. However, for those inspecting structures once built and once failure has occurred, it’s not without merit.
A useful guide to have
As far as usability goes, it is structured and laid out in a way which means find what you need relatively quickly. Some of the areas covered, include:
- Substructure
- Sole plates
- DPC's and cavity trays
- Vapour control layers
Each section is distinguishable with colour coding, enabling the user to find the information quickly on site. It is also extremely well illustrated with photos as well as sectional drawing, which are simplistic and easy to understand. These photos show best practice as well as the ‘don’ts’ which is then followed by a checklist to help you achieve what you are after.
Not life-changing, but handy nonetheless
This book isn’t going to change your life. It’s highly unlikely this is going to be something that as a preservation surveyor, you’ll need on a daily basis. However, it may come in handy if you are looking at a construction type you are not entirely familiar with and therefore, it could help you get to grips with what is going wrong.
The book is available on Amazon, to mixed reviews... It will not tell you how to build a modern timber house, and it requires the reader to have some knowledge of construction techniques, but it may help prevent or establish the cause of a problem which will result in the failure of the building....