Top 4 common Myths of Timber Frame Construction- BUSTED!

Here in Perth Western Australia many people believe that timber frame construction is an inferior way to build homes when comparing it to double brick construction.
 
I am here to debunk the 4 common myths which we hear every day from our potential clients interested in finding out more about this mystified way of construction which is so foreign the people of Perth, Western Australia.

Let’s get into it……

• Termites will Attack my Home
  

Do you think 70% of the world’s population would be building using timber frame construction if termites were to inevitably eat away at it until it fell to bits?

Termites are a threat to all timber and wooden structures worldwide, however currently thanks to modern technology termite treated timber is a must when we build our homes. H2 treated timber is readily available at Bunnings and other timber suppliers in WA and is what all good builders will use to build any timber structures here in Perth.

Further to this all slabs poured or built have a per-treatment and post treatment for termites. Recent laws have changed which make such barriers impossible for termites to get in. All home owners of both double brick and timber frame homes are encouraged to get an annual pest inspection by pest companies, to ensure there are no critters lurking inside their roofs and walls.

 Therefore, a combination of termite treated timber, rigorous initial pest sprays to the slab and barrier of homes, along with regular pest inspections should see that no termites will succeed in nibbling their way through the timber in your home.

• Timber Homes are more Susceptible to Fires

Yes, you are correct in thinking timber is susceptible to flame after all it is what we throw on the fire to make it burn. However timber frame constructed homes are built using different fire-retardant products that help to prevent a blaze burning fast and ferociously through any home or building.

There are very strict fire regulations to follow in the National Building Code when building on boundary walls to stop the spread of fire and even more intense code for builders to follow when constructing a home in a designated bush fire risk zone.

So, no your house is not going to burn down at the site of flame, if built using timber frame construction. The technology today allows us to build beautifully designed and energy efficient homes made from carbon friendly products like timber, that give back to the environment and don’t create a fire hazard.
 

• Timber is not as Strong as Double Brick
  

Driving a car into a double brick wall will be much harder on the vehicle than if it were to drive into a timber frame cladded home. However, at this stage I am yet to meet a person who intends to drive their car into their home. Timber will withstand many climates and in fact in cyclone prone areas they are preferred due to the ability of timber to move with the weather as appose to snapping and breaking down.

Timber is a very flexibly material to build with and can become quite tough when manufactured to form timber beams.

These large and heavy beams can withhold hundreds of kilograms of weight as load bearing beams in the roofs of many homes.

The infamous knock on the wall to check what construction in a timber frame home will release a hollow noise which gives off the affect of weakness, this is not the case with timber, this type of structure is built to last 60 plus years.

Further to this, hanging pictures on a wall is NOT an issue and you may hang as many pictures as you like. Actually it is much easier to install a picture on a timber framed/plaster board wall. Then later when no longer needed, patching up the hole is much easier than patching in picture holes on a brick wall.

• The Acoustics of Timber Frame are no good

Double brick will always have less noise travel throughout the house due to the density of the brick separating the walls. However timber frame homes can be insulated with in the the walls with sound reducing batts and sound reducing plaster board can also be used.
 
Technology is a powerful thing and has enabled the increasing use of timber frame construction when building homes, apartments and now some medium rise developments and hotels in Perth and worldwide.

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At Distinct Renovations our choice is to build using timber frame construction as it is better for the environment and has many more benefits that make it a pleasure to build with and live within.
 
If you want to know more about how you could use this preferred method of building to build your next home extension or new built home contact us now to find out more.

We are always happy to answer all your timber frame questions.