//Is Timber Frame Better Than Block Construction?

Two of the main forms of construction for housing in the UK are timber frame and brick and block construction. With timber frame accounting for around 23% of new home builds in the UK and being featured heavily in the Government’s timber in construction roadmap, it’s clear to see that it is becoming a popular choice for the construction industry. But is timber frame better than block construction? Let’s find out.

//Advantages & Disadvantages of Block Construction

Advantages of Block Construction

Durability

It’s common knowledge that brick and block construction is strong and durable, with its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is also resilient against fire, rot and pests. These, however, are factors also common for timber frame construction.

As one of the oldest construction materials, timber frame houses (as with other forms of construction) have a minimum design life of 60 years but, in reality, Pinewood Structures’ frames will well outlast this. The performance of timber frame is timeless, consistent and predictable, being an engineered solution, plus timber is more fire resistant than you may first think. The surface layer begins to char when exposed to fire and acts as a protective barrier, slowing down the combustion process.

Energy Efficiency

Due to its durable structure, block has a high thermal mass that helps to regulate the temperature inside the building. This, in turn, reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling. Timber frame construction is known for its energy efficiency too.

Timber frame structures are internally fitted with a vapour control layer which seals the gaps between surfaces and prevents draughts. This enhances air tightness and keeps the warm air in as well as reduces other potential issues such as damp and condensation. Plus, its low thermal mass reduces the amount of heat absorbed, so houses warm up faster when it’s cold and stay cooler in the summer.

Pairing this with the ability to incorporate high levels of thermal insulation, there is reduced heat loss and energy usage making timber much more energy efficient.

Sound Insulation

Because blocks are dense as a material, they are a great sound insulator. They have the ability to reduce noise from both inside and outside the building. Impact sound does travel more easily with timber frame structures, but it is a better insulant to airborne sound.

As mentioned above, timber frame structures can easily house insulation and mineral wool will help reduce the transmission of airborne sounds. Nowadays, Building Regulations require every structure to have specific sound testing to comply with sound transference. Therefore, there will be no sound issues by the end of construction.

Disadvantages of Block Construction

Cost & Time

Ultimately, this does depend on the details of the project. However, block construction is generally more expensive than other construction methods, due to materials and labour costs. There are larger initial capital requirements for timber frame, but the entire process is a lot more cost-effective.

The resources used to construct bricks means they are heavier, so it is more challenging to transport and work with on-site which can slow down the operation and incur more labour costs. They are also time-consuming to put up, as well as more likely to experience delays, which results in higher building costs. The delays come from the dependence on optimal weather conditions, material availability, and the conditions of the site.

As timber frame is constructed off-site and follows a strict design process, it is quicker to erect and more accurate meaning construction is much more predictable. Timber can also become watertight faster, so there is no delay due to site or weather conditions. Therefore, there are reduced prelims, more programme certainty, and quicker return on capital employed. This is without even mentioning the safety benefits.

Carbon Footprint

The production of concrete, bricks and mortar is energy-intensive, taking into account manufacture, transport, use and disposal. As block construction uses finite, non-renewable materials, it is contributing to the depletion of natural resources. 600kg of carbon is released for every tonne of cement produced and contributes to at least 8% of global carbon emissions. 

Compared to timber, these numbers are astonishing. Timber is the only truly renewable building material with a much lower embodied carbon level. In addition, it actually captures carbon from the atmosphere, storing it in buildings rather than in the air.  Alongside this, timber frame construction requires less energy to construct and adopts a circular economy to significantly reduce waste going to landfill. Its sustainable qualities are recognised by the Government making it the popular choice compared to block construction.