Timber is a practical and proven building material. It offers structural integrity, design versatility and aesthetic appeal. What’s more, it is a low-carbon building material, which could greatly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. But, is it safe to use timber in construction?
A U-turn on Timber Construction
Historically, the vast majority of homes in northern Europe and Asia were built from timber. It was robust, durable and in plentiful supply. However, by the late 17th Century, brick and stone replaced timber. Then, in the early 20th Century, concrete and steel provided opportunities for lower cost and higher-rise construction.
However, the understanding that buildings contribute a quarter of the UK’s gas output saw a shift in thinking at the turn of the 21st Century. The industry needed to find materials and building methods that were more sustainable. As a result, there was a resurgence of interest in timber.
Unfortunately, in 2017, Grenfell Tower ignited, and the fatal fire was devastating. Any incident where lives are lost is horrendous and has a lasting impact. The inquiry revealed that poor quality timber, inadequate finishes and inferior installation had caused the rapid spread of flames.
This tragedy resulted in architects, developers and insurers taking a U-turn on timber construction, reverting to high-carbon materials. Was this justified?
Can Premium Timber Cladding Be Fire Retardant Treated?
Evidence showed that corners were cut at Grenfell Tower. However, that is not the case with the majority of timber cladding, timber frames, roof rafters and mass timber solutions. When durable timbers are correctly treated and professionally installed, it results in a high-quality building material.
Our premium timber cladding is crafted from tried and tested timbers. The yakisugi charring process naturally enhances resilience to weathering, rot, UV fading and insects. In addition, we apply a protective coat of sealant. Our Shou Sugi Ban range can be fire-retardant treated to Euro Class B standards. In independent testing, this meets or exceeds UK and EU building regulations.
In addition, we provide detailed installation instructions and always recommend that the fitting of timber cladding is carried out by a professional joiner. They understand how to handle, precisely cut and fasten the cladding for a neat finish. In addition, they know the importance of including cavity barriers and fire stops that help to minimise fire risk.
We work with UK sawmills, architects, builders and fellow wood suppliers that also prioritise quality. So we know that the majority of timber-built projects are safe and sustainable, as well as looking great.
What is the Timber in Construction Roadmap?
The UK Government has committed to building 1.5 million homes, yet they are also working towards carbon reduction targets. In a bid to balance these two agendas, they see timber construction as the climate solution. That includes ways to effectively integrate timber and other building materials, to reap the benefits of all.
To achieve this agenda, they are prioritising actions that will promote and encourage the widespread adoption of timber in residential, public and commercial building developments.
The updated Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap recognises the need to:
- Invest in research to evidence the safety, durability and structural competence of this natural material
- Promote the use of timber as a trusted and sustainable solution
- Support the commercial growth of trees in the UK to reduce our reliance on imported timber
- Invest in schemes that promote joinery and carpentry professions to avoid future skill shortages
- Explore opportunities for circular design and timber reuse
What Are the Benefits of Timber Construction?
The opportunity to reduce the carbon output of future construction projects by an estimated 20-60% is a significant environmental benefit. This can also tie into another green agenda, which is to increase tree cover in the UK by 16.5% by 2050. If these woodlands include responsibly managed commercial planting, we gain a sustainable supply of UK timbers to reduce the reliance on imports.
The Roadmap also recognises that timber construction offers greater potential for off-site manufacturing and assembly. This modular approach can greatly reduce time on site, along with associated costs and disruption. You may have seen examples of this on Grand Designs, including a property in Tunbridge Wells and a more recent example in West Sussex.
In addition, more work is being undertaken to evidence the impact on health and well-being of living or working in timber buildings. The tactile quality, grain patterns and natural warmth of wood offer a connection to nature that is at the heart of biophilic design principles. Can a shift to timber help us feel calmer and happier?
Is Timber Safe?
To summarise, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. When you select quality materials with appropriate, low-maintenance finishes, which are professionally installed, you get a long-lasting, safe, sustainable solution that could boost your well-being.
Take a look at the Shou Sugi Ban portfolio for a selection of stunning timber clad projects that showcase the beauty and design potential when building with timber. To request samples or a quote, please call us on 01494 711800.