timber frame / brick outer - what does this mean

ferox666

Im looking at a flat approx 14yrs old. walls are "cavity construction "with a load bearing timber frame inner leaf &brick outer leaf. The walls are also "part rendered". Internally lined with plasterboard. they're 290mm thick the guy said i think. Unsure of what any of this means. Id heard timber in some new builds is poor quality and may rot in time ? Do these details sound normal or anything to be concerned about?

david29dpo

To me, timber frame mean Barrett built glorified shed.

maninthestreet

It's a timber framed building, as opposed to the 'traditional' brick and block construction (where the inner blocks support the weight of the roof).

martinsurrey

ferox666 wrote: »

Im looking at a flat approx 14yrs old. walls are "cavity construction "with a load bearing timber frame inner leaf &brick outer leaf. The walls are also "part rendered". Internally lined with plasterboard. they're 290mm thick the guy said i think. Unsure of what any of this means. Id heard timber in some new builds is poor quality and may rot in time ? Do these details sound normal or anything to be concerned about?

Nothing to be concerned about, this is one of the most common methods of modern construction.

Instead of having an inner and other leaf of brick/block, this has a timber frame cased in an outer leaf of block. Its a far more environmentally friendly way of construction, and can be better insulated for the same thickness of wall.

People just don’t like change, and timber framing is fairly new, but even the Victorians used structural timbers (roofs floors and joists) this is just an extension of that.

neverdespairgirl

martinsurrey wrote: »

People just don’t like change, and timber framing is fairly new, but even the Victorians used structural timbers (roofs floors and joists) this is just an extension of that.

Or very old. My parents' house is timber-framed, brick outer. It was built in 1322, and the bricks added in the 1540s to make it look modern!

propertyman

To tidy up the earlier post the outer part is brick with a internal load bearing frame of timber. A few may be brick or block where there is an external render, but it tends to be brick even if rendered as brick is more in simple terms "weather resistant".

The two key issues are thermal insulation and damp which the surveyor should be specifically asked to check, and may need a thermal camera for the first.

As a user you should also pay attention to sound insulation too and should ensure that the party walls are block, as some can be timber and while they meet fire regs, next doors kitchen door slams or loo flushing can transfer.

The vendor should be asked for any warranty or guarentee information form the builder that explains the type of construction as that is helpful for the inspection.

vegasbaby100

I actually supply one of the larger timber frame house builders in the UK.

Is it a pre panalised building or a modular construction.

You will find compared to "standard construction" they can typically outperform with regards to accoustics and Thermal effeciency. Be carefull of the windows however the biggest issue we see if windows being installed incorrectly allowing bridging.

What you tend to find on these buildings is the Brick and or render are a final covering much like you would see on a stone faced building.

Do you know who manufactured it?