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(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 28, 2011 ) Leeds, UK -- Timber frame houses can be a beautiful, quick to construct and energy efficient place to live. Kept well, a timber frame house can easily last as long as a masonry home. One of the key aspects of keeping it in good condition is impeccable rain-proofing.
Damage from water can wreak havoc with timber frame house plans. Ensuring adequate rain proofing has been carried out during construction is a crucial step in assuring the longevity of a timber frame home.
Luckily, weather-proofing can be done very quickly. A typical timber frame home can be made be made impervious to the elements within a week.
What can happen if water gets in?
Whether due to freak flooding or poor quality work, water damage must be swiftly dealt with if the effect is to be minimised.
Typically, if a significant amount of water has penetrated the exterior, the internal linings and insulation will need to be removed and the structure dried out before re-fitting new insulation and linings. This is where timber frame design structures have the advantage. The time needed to fully dry is substantially shorter than that of masonry homes.
Normally, if the structure can be dried out within a few weeks, the timber should be fine. However, if this is not possible, due to continued adverse weather conditions, for example, then the risk of decay becomes a threat and sections may require replacing.
It is also good practice to thoroughly examine the existing membrane for any areas of weakness or water absorption. If either is present, the membrane must be replaced as well.
How does water damage occur?
Most commonly, water damage occurs as a result of poor workmanship or inadequate timber frame house design. If proper procedures and practices are maintained, the structure will not experience water damage problems even in the most extreme weather conditions.
How is rain proofing done?
There are two main rain-proofing measures taken when constructing timber frame houses.
Firstly, the way the wall and cladding are built. A cavity between the timber frame building and the external cladding allows for any absorbed rain to run through and downwards, flowing away from the structure through seepage holes. This way, water doesnÂ’t reach the frame as it is directed away from it. However, in particularly adverse conditions, water may indeed be pushed through and make contact with the frame. For these situations, the waterproof membrane provides a second barrier of protection against the elements.
Aside from the primary function of rain proofing, the membrane applied to a timber frame also ‘breathes’. This means that while it repels water, it does allow for water vapour to escape the structure which prevents condensation and damp issues.
Rain proofing is a crucial part of the process of erecting timber frame houses to get right. It is advisable to use high quality materials and trust the experts. This is definitely not a stage in the construction that should be seen as a money-saver.
About Spacehus
Spacehus is a UK based designer and manufacturer of low energy timber frame houses and buildings. All home designs are heavily inspired by Scandinavian culture, where timber building techniques and skills have been perfected over 50 years. If a person would like an eco friendly home that minimises energy whilst maximising light and space, do contact them soon:
Space Architecture
1 Brewery Place
Brewery Wharf
Leeds
LS10 1NE
Tel: 0844 800 6660
Email: info@spacegroup.co.uk
Space Architecture
Robert Lacroix
(844) - 800 - 6660
info@spacegroup.co.uk 
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