NEED TO KNOW TIMBER-ON-TIMBER BUILDS

In recent years, following the Grenfell disaster, there’s understandably been greater focus on the fire performance of cladding products. “There have been some changes in the Building Regulations relating to fire,” says Paul Newman, director at Potton. “The adjustments are set out in the Approved Documents and primarily affect tall buildings. Your designer will be able to advise on the specifics for your project. It’s worth remembering that different requirements apply across the different regions – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – so check the devolved regs.”

There are some fantastic examples of fully wood-clad timber frame buildings across the UK, but some high street banks view this as a ‘nonstandard’ construction type. So if you need finance and want to go for a timber-on-timber home, what can you do? Well, specialist lenders, such as those working with self build mortgage broker Buildstore, tend to be more accommodating – but you may need to think through your approach.

“You need to explain the system so they fully understand it,” says Simon. “Some may be reluctant, but if you use a Structural Timber Association member signed up to Site Safe and the STA Assure scheme, that will help. You can also integrate solutions such as sheathing the timber frame with a non-combustible material and fitting the cladding outside of this.”