4 Things A Good Timber Frame Installer Will Do To Ensure Your Building Is Energy Efficient

4 Things A Good Timber Frame Installer Will Do To Ensure Your Building Is Energy Efficient

As timber frame installation specialists, at SC4, we take pride in ensuring that all finished structures meet their design brief for energy efficiency and sustainability. But what makes a good timber frame installation contractor, and how can you verify their energy efficiency credentials?

Step One: Maximise Thermal Performance

A good contractor will understand the importance of correct installation to ensure the designed-in low u-values are met - the lower the u-value, the better the building is insulated, ensuring the building stays warm or keeps cool, whatever the weather.

U-values are expressed in watts per square metre per degree Kelvin (W/m²K), meaning that for every degree difference in temperature across a building component, the amount of heat passing through the component is equal to the U-value.

U-values are a critical consideration in the design of energy-efficient buildings, helping ensure that the building envelope provides adequate thermal insulation and minimises heat loss. U-values are often used to calculate the overall thermal performance of a building, as part of compliance with building regulations and energy efficiency standards.

Thermal performance can be optimised through high-quality insulation, preventing thermal bridging (see below) and using materials with a high thermal mass. A good timber frame installer will take these factors into account ensuring that the installed product matches the design specification so that the building meets the required standards and thermal performance.

Step Two: Prevent The Movement Of Cold Air Through The Correct Installation Of Insulation And Thermal Membranes

When there is a break in thermal barriers and membranes, ‘cold bridging’ can occur. Cold bridging or thermal bridging typically occur at points where there is a break in the insulation, such as around openings for doors and windows, or where different materials meet. It can also occur when insulation is not installed correctly, or when gaps or voids are left in the insulation layer.

Cold bridging can lead to a range of problems, including heat loss, dampness, and condensation. It can also make buildings less comfortable to live or work in and can increase heating costs. In severe cases, it can also lead to structural damage and mould growth.

An experienced timber frame installer, such as SC4, will ensure that all insulation is fitted with no gaps, so that heat can’t move within or between walls, the roof or underfloor spaces, thereby reducing the performance of the building.

Step Three: Ensure Your Building Is Airtight

A good timber frame installer will ensure that your building is airtight and free of air leakage. This means paying attention to details such as window and door gaps, vents, and the sealing of joints and connections. Airtightness is a crucial factor in energy efficiency as it prevents air infiltration and reduces the amount of heat lost from the building. Maximising the airtightness of a timber frame building will improve the energy efficiency rating accordingly. This is particularly important where Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are installed. A good installer will understand the importance of the airtightness of the building in order to meet the required specifications.

Step Four: Efficient Working Practices

Finally, a professional timber frame installer will ensure that your build is speedy yet efficient. Timber frame installation is faster than traditional masonry construction and is quickly made watertight. This enables interior and exterior trades to work in parallel on site for faster project completion. For example, exterior brickwork could be built while the first and second fix work takes place indoors.

Timber Frame Construction From SC4 Carpenters Ltd

SC4 Carpenters Ltd provide a high-quality installation service for all timber frame products and construction projects. With over 23 years’ experience delivering fast, efficient, and sustainable carpentry construction services for housing associations, educational establishments, care homes, and residential developments, we have the construction expertise necessary to assist developers and contractors to meet the rising demand for timber frame housing across Hampshire and Southern England.

To find out more or to request a quote, please get in touch with one of our knowledgeable team today by calling 0330 912 1159.