Frequently Asked Questions:Q: What is a timber frame?
A: A timber frame is a structure comprised of heavy timber joined with mortise and tenon joinery. Contrary to popular belief, Post and beam architecture is not timber framing, in a such timber frames rely wholly on there joinery of wood to wood surfaces where as post and beam architecture relies on mechanical fasteners of varying types.
Q: What types of wood can be used for a timber frame?
A: Any species of tree can be utilized in a timber frame. This is limited only by the expertise of the timber framer you choose.
Q: Can more than one species of wood be used in a timber frame.
A: Absolutely, Mixing species is very common in ancient timber frames. In contemporary timber frames they add contrast and beauty, but must be executed with discretion and good design.
Q: How much more expensive are timber frames.
A: they are no more expensive than any other quality conventional building method. The false assumption that timber frames are more expensive comes from the limited design capabilities and experience of many companies. Our simple frames are as cost effective as contemporary stick frame construction, however Size, complexity, materials, and location can contribute to a higher final cost.
Q: What is the best method of insulating a timber frame.
A: there are many methods of insulating a timer frame, the best method is often region specific. Often the common types used may not be as green or efficient as advertised. For example we can manufacture an alternative to SIPs that are custom and appropriate for our frames. This is comprised of a light framing system, structural to itself, providing an excellent thermal envelope capable of encompassing various types of insulation and simplifying mechanical installation. Of the Green methods available, when shipping is included in there consideration they are no greener than common methods.
Q: I have been advised not to share my maximum budget with any potential builder or General Contractor, should I?
A: This advice does not establish a team effort. We must have a complete budget, to establish an appropriate pricing matrix to serve the architecture. Often clients undermine the building effort by withholding information.
Q: Is it true that Timber Frames are more fire resistant than other forms of architecture?
A: This question was addressed in; “Journal of the Timber Framers Guild,” by Ryan Gilbert of Bellingham, WA.
"Timber- Framed construction is significantly more resistant to fire damage than common stick framing and considerably more resistant to fire damage than construction using unprotected steel support members" (i.e. post and beam). "Solid wood is very stable at high temperatures and creates its own insulation upon contact with fire. As a result, heavy timber construction is given a two hour fire rating by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)." He goes on to say that "the beauty of Timber Frame joinery under fire load is that, as the outside of a beam chars, it turns mostly to carbon. Carbon is a great insulator, so the load-bearing portions of the joinery and members remain intact for much longer than in lightweight truss construction. He goes on to say that steel gusset plates fail rapidly in a fire, and engineered wooden I-beams will delaminate and collapse while the fire is still in the growth stages and temperatures are relatively low. "I always breathe a sigh of relief when arriving on the scene of a fire to find out that the building is of heavy timber construction. There is a much better chance of finding living occupants, and the officer in charge is considerably less hesitant to send in firefighters to search for victims."Q: do you build in my location?
A: Yes.