Timber Frame Construction

Timber frame construction uses massive timbers that are tightly fitted together with mortise and tenon joinery, and then secured with hardwood pegs. UK cathedrals and manner houses were constructed using these techniques. The craft of timber framing reached its maturity in Europe in the 1400's. There are timber frame buildings in use today that were built over 1000 years ago. In the middle 1800's with the advent of milled lumber, steel nails and mass production two by four framing became popular. Timber framing which required much more skill and labor began to decline in use. It was revived again in the 1960's. Timber framers today use the same methods and joinery that were used in the 13th and 14th century in a blend of old-world knowledge and today's power tools. Cranes lift the heavy timbers, which took over a hundred workers in times past. Today a timber frame can be erected with only four or five workers. There are major advantages of timber frame construction that's why people in UK are opting for it every now and then. The speed of erection, excellent thermal efficiency, sound performance and of course its considerable advantages over traditional building has made timber frame the most sought after construction material.

Let's look at how timber frame is manufactured. The timbers are cut in the shop weeks ahead. Pegged mortise and tenon joints are cut in to the timbers. Careful planning is the key for successful timber frame construction. The timbers are taken to the building site and assembled in cross sectional units called bents. The foundation of the building has already been prepared with mortises cut in to the sub floor. The frames are stacked with blocks in between them. On day of raising, the frames are raised one at time. Boards are clamped to them to hold them place while raising them, called a strong box. Come-along pulleys are also used to hold the frame in place while it is being raised and to bring sections together. Rafters are typically 8 x 12, posts are 8 x 8 and girts are 8 x 10. The posts of the bents have a tenon on their bottoms, which fit into mortises in the sub floor of the building. The space between bents is called a bay and is generally 14 feet. After each bent is raised the girts or horizontal members will be attached to join them. A frame is usually put up in one day.

The exterior siding of the timber frame construction can be worked on with any material. Structural insulated panels are most frequently used. The beams are usually exposed on the inside. Inside conventional framing, techniques are used to add walls, plumbing and electricity. Timbers were cut weeks ahead and then assembled on the site. The individual sections called bents were raised with poles up to 30 feet long called pike poles. After each bent was raised the grits were connected. With careful planning and plenty of help, a large barn frame could be erected in one day. These barns raisings were often the social event of the year. Men worked while the women cooked enormous meals. After the barn was erected, the eating, socializing and dancing went on for long hours. Flexibility in design is the hallmark of timber frame. It allows you to zero in on the finished form of your home. In UK, the use of timber frame is gaining momentum due to the fact that it is also fully recognised by all financial institutions and building societies. 

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