Below is a brief insight into the components that go into the manufacture of the timber frame and the services provided by Frame Wise, it is only generic and not exhaustive so customers should refer to their quotation for a specification that is specific to their contract.

Design
To enable us to proceed with the design of the timber frame we require minimum 1:50 scale drawings in hard copies or electronically (.dwg) to include floor plans, elevations, sections and a window and door schedule.

From this information we produce timber frame drawings and structural calculations for submission to your local authority. We are also able to produce HB353B certificates a requirement from the NHBC if requested in writing at order stage.

Timber treatment and sourcing
The structural timber components up to roof level are preservative treated to comply with both NHBC and Building Regulations. All timber used within the manufacture of the timber frames are sourced from sustainable managed sources with PEFC or FSC certification.

Soleplates
Soleplates are pre-cut for single layers and random lengths for multiple layers, they are available in 90 x 38, 140 x 38 or as a double panel set up to suit your chosen timber frame size.

We also include the relevant size DPC for fixing below the soleplates and proprietary straps or fixings for securing the soleplates to the slab or block up stand. No allowance is made for radon protection this is to be provided by the customer and installed prior to commencement of erection of timber frame.

External panels
The external panels are factory assembled open cell panels with openings formed, sheathed externally and factory fitted breather paper secured with stainless steel staples on polypropylene tapes which indicate stud positions. Panel sizes are to suit client’s requirements but are usually 2414mm high to suit plasterboard sizes and 2400mm wide again to suit board sizes but also to enable manual erection. Studs centres are maximum 600mm centres and to comply with our engineering requirements.

The external panels can be supplied in 90 x 38, 140 x 38 or our double panel system with wall thicknesses up to 450mm.

Sheathing board options
We have a range of options on the type of sheathing board to suit client’s requirements, or you can upgrade to 22mm Bytroc which is a fibreboard that has similar properties as osb but also improves the thermal performance of the panel. Alternatively we offer 9.2mm panel vent to be used when a fully breathable wall application is required.

Breather paper options
Two types of breather paper are available the standard Corovin TF 200 or the TF 200 Thermo foil for improved tcarryhermal performance.

Head binders
Head binders are supplied to fix to the head of the panels and tie them together; they are supplied pre-cut and available in widths to suit your chosen timber frame size.

Internal wall panels
The internal panels are factory assembled with openings formed, timber sizes are generally 90 x 38 and some walls may be sheathed with 9mm osb for structural reasons

Party walls
Party wall panels are factory assembled to comply with Robust detail E-WT-1, with an option for pre-plaster boarded panels in the roof space for increased speed and safety. The overall thickness of the party wall excluding plasterboard is set at 250mm.

Floor components
Floor joists are pre-cut including trimmers, beams and blocking. Standard floor joists are available in 145mm x 45mm, 195mm x 45mm and 220mm x 45mm. Engineered floor joists are available using Boise product in depths of 241mm, 302mm, 356mm or 406mm. Floors include any steelwork or beams required to support timber frame and as required by our engineering.

Floor cassettes preassembled units are available on request for projects that require a shorter erection period.

Floor decking
We supply 22mm peel clean tongue and groove P5 chipboard with tape for joints and nail holes or 15mm osb sub-deck for use with compartment floors.

Roof components
We offer a range of roof solutions for most designs including all truss options, traditional cut roofs and I-joist roof application. We supply all structural members, gable ladders and metalwork for formation of your roof design.

Fascia, soffit and barge
We can supply random lengths of treated 175 x 25 fascia, 145x 25 barge in softwood and 6mm pre-cut to width plywood soffit including over fascia vents and lay-boards

Ancillary items
We can provide stainless steel brick ties and fixing nails suitable for 50mm cavity, cavity closer 50 x 50 sawn treated timber around all joinery openings and proprietary closers at roof level and between units also brickwork lintels and clips.

Additional items include gable ceiling battens, pre-cut plasterboard noggins and panel support noggins.

Insulation
We offer a range of insulation options to achieve u-values from 0.30 to below 0.1. Our products are sourced from Isover and offer simple, cost effective, efficient and easy to install solutions for timber frame.

Erection specification
Our erection costs include mechanical handling for offloading, distribution and erection of the timber frame plus the fixings required for the various components. The structure is complete for internal and external cladding by yourselves and signed off by our own in house experienced contracts personnel who carry out all the essential checks and go through a handover procedure with the client on completion.

Scaffold specification
Generally scaffold is provided by the customer and erected to three sides prior to commencement of the timber frame with the fourth side closed in to suit site progress.

Air Bags for fall arrest
We offer a supply and fit service of the above fall arrest systems to comply with HSE requirements and safe guard of erection crews. They are installed by competent and trained personnel and are a cost effective way of providing a safe method of working.