Tag: timber

Materials

What you should know about Glue laminated timber (glulam)

14th February 20220

What is glue-laminated timber? 

Glue laminated timber also known as glulam is a type of structural engineered wood constituted by layers of dimensional lumber. They are bonded together with durable and moisture-resistant structural adhesives.  

How it’s used –  

Glulam has a reputation for being used in exposed applications such as vaulted ceilings and designs with large open spaces. Glulam is used when you seek a combination of structural and aesthetic attributes. Glue laminated timber can also work behind the scenes, as floor beams, trusses, cantilevers, and other structural elements.  

What is the best glues for laminating wood?  

  • Gorilla wood glue 

This is one of the top picks when it comes to laminating wood.  

Compatible material: Wood 

Colour: Natural wood colour  

Clamp time: 20 to 40 minutes. Clamping means you have to wait a certain amount of time before you can let go of the wood.  

Curing time: 24 hours. However, once the wood is clamped you need to wait a day for the wood to be completely glued together.  

  • Loctite epoxy five minute  

This is the second most popular type of glue. For starters, it’s the only glue that comes in a syringe packet. This is a good thing because it will be easier to apply the glue to any corners that need fixing. This also has the least required setting time.   

Compatible material: Wood, glass, ceramic, plastic, concrete, etc 

Colour: Yellow. Because this glue is yellow it means it will be extra strong, however, it will leave some yellow marks.  

Package information: Syringe 

Setting time: 5 minutes 

When using it on laminating wood make sure that you clean the excess glue after you’re done. Otherwise, it could stain and could ruin the aesthetics.  

  • Gorilla polyurethane glue 

This gorilla glue is quite different compared to the other one. This glue is actually polyurethane-based glue. It offers incredible adhesion properties and this glue is waterproof.  

Compatible material: Wood, foam, glass, ceramic, concrete, metal, stone.  

Colour: Brown 

Setting time: 1 to 2 hours  

Curing time: 24 hours 

Advantages and disadvantages of glulam 

Advantages –  

  • Availability  

This type of timber is easily available in different sizes in the market. It is available in sizes 45mm x 45 mm to 250mm x 1800mm x 30m. Glulam is made by joining many blocks of wood, which means it is easily available in large to small sizes.  

  • Easy to use  

Glulam timber is easier to use than steel and concrete. This is because it doesn’t require much material and it makes the house feel warm and comfortable.  

  • Durability  

This timber is 2 to 3 times more durable than steel and concrete. To increase the durability of your wooden project, it is important to choose the right wood species. You should choose the wood species according to your project. 

  • Anti-bugs  

Usual wood over time is likely to rot and become hollow, due to bugs that eat and live in the wood. This is likely to cause the structure to become weak. Whereas, glue-laminated timber is completely solid because it’s made by joining several layers together.  

Disadvantages –  

  • Price  

The price of glue-laminated timber is higher than normal timber.   

  • Quality  

Glulam timber is made by joining pieces of timber together. If defective timber is used in the middle of the block during production, this malfunctioning timber can cause the entire timber block to deteriorate.  

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Architecture & Building, Materials

All there is to know about Cross-laminated timber (CLT)

1st February 20220

What is CLT? 

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a wood panel product, made from gluing together layers of solid-sawn lumber. They’re usually stacked crosswise at a 90-degree angle and glued into place. Using an odd number of layers is most common.  

Advantages and disadvantages of using CLT 

Advantages –  

  • Eco-friendly.  

Cross-laminated timber is a renewable, green, and sustainable material.

  • Prefabrication.  

Floors or walls made from CLT can be manufactured before reaching the job site. Which decreases lead times and could potentially lower overall construction costs.  

  • Thermal insulation.  

Being made out of multiple layers of wood, the thermal insulation of CLT can be high depending on the thickness of the panel.  

  • CLT is a light building material  

Foundations don’t need to be as large and the machinery required on-site are smaller than those needed to lift heavier materials.  

Disadvantages –  

  • Higher production costs. 

The production of CLT panels requires a large amount of wood and other materials compared to stud walls. 

  • Flammability.  

Wood is very flammable, unlike other building materials such as steel.   

  • Limited track record.  

Cross-laminated timber is relatively new material. So, a large amount of research has been done on Cross-laminated timber. However, it takes time to integrate new practices.  

How much does cross-laminated timber cost?  

In addition, the cost of cross-laminated timber is usually around £30 per metre square. Or on the high end of the price spectrum, you can expect it to cost about £50 per meter square.  

The cost of materials and labour may be lower than the traditional steel or concrete. Cross-laminated timber also reduces the carbon footprint of buildings.  

It is durable?  

The CLT product has a life span of 60 years and there are occupied timber buildings in Europe that are over 700 years old. The key factor in the longevity of a timber structure is the management of moisture during the design stage.

 

Cross-Laminated Timber MM crosslam - MM Holz

Conversions, Extensions

Are Timber frame orangeries worth building? Here’s what to know

24th January 20220

Timber frame orangeries are an excellent choice if you require the light and spacious feeling of a conservatory, but want the warmth and solid structure of a brick extension.  

What is a timber frame orangery?  

A timber orangery consists of timber window frames, doors at the sides, and sometimes separate timber glazed roof lanterns built-in.  Some experts like to use the 75% rule. If the extension has less than 75% glass it is classed as an orangery rather than a conservatory. Orangeries tend to have a brick base or more brickwork than a conservatory.  

Do you need planning permission for an orangery?  

An orangery can be seen as halfway between a conservatory and an extension. It’s an extended space that has the insulation of brick walls but the benefit of lots of light and good views.  

For planning purposes, an orangery is considered a single-story extension on and has the same building regulations as an extension. However, you won’t need planning permission for an orangery if you build within permitted development. 

Advantages and disadvantages of a timber orangery –  

Here are some of the main advantages of a timber orangery –  

  • Can be built to exceed 60-year design life  
  • Fast heating due to low thermal mass 
  • Energy efficient when constructed 
  • Quick build time 
  • Reduces site labour 
  • Recyclable  
  • Renewable 
  • Reduced construction waste 

And here are some disadvantages –  

  • Acoustics  
  • May decay when exposed to excessive moisture 
  • Subjected to risk of fire  
  • Lack of experienced builders and erection crews 
  • Transportation and carriage access  
  • Deficiency of site quality control 
  • Requires regular maintenance  

How much will a timer frame orangery cost?  

Building an orangery is often cheaper than building a single-storey extension based of a structure that is similar in size. Orangeries are one of the most affordable ways to create more space.  

As of 2021, the average price of an orangery stands around £19,000. Although, because of the material shortage wood has become a bit more expensive. This means the average price can be from £20,000 onwards.  

However, orangeries are a good investment because they can increase the value of your home. They are known to add around 11% more value to your property.  

Orangeries aren’t just for the summer –  

In addition, how you use your orangery is completely down to you. However, they have so much more potential than just being a sunroom, it is an improvement to the heart of your home. They are perfect spaces for entertaining and hosting friends and family all year round. 

Photographs: Richard Downer Photography
Extensions, House Extension

Timber Frame Extensions – The Good And The Bad

14th October 20210

A timber frame extension is an economical and impactful way to increase your home’s space and add value to your property. This type of extension is often quicker and easier to build than blockwork projects and it’s great if you’re building on a budget.  

Advantages of timber frame extensions –  

Choosing a timber frame structure will allow for a quick build time, it would be weatherproof and secure much faster than other construction methods. Timber is an environmentally friendly material with excellent insulation. This means that not only will your extension be eco-friendly, it will also be energy efficient.  

Your timber frame extension can be produced in any style. It will blend in with your extension home whether that be wood, render, or brick finish. However, because you are allowed to select any style if you would like you could apply a contrasting finish to really make it stand out.  

Disadvantages –  

The timber used in home designs is all pressure treated with preservatives. However, the risk of rot is greater when it comes to working with wood. But assuming they’re built correctly the risk should be minimal.  

 A timber frame won’t resist sound transmission as a well-built home because the block home has more density to it. Although, you can add insulation or sound-deadening materials to stop sound transmission. 

Often people say they don’t feel solid enough compared to traditional extensions.  

Why timber frame extensions are built quickly –  

Timber frames are usually built off-site in a factory and are designed to fit the exact measurements provided. While the frames are getting constructed the external groundwork takes place. They do two things at once because it is important to get it done before the weather changes.  

Once the frame is built the extension will be watertight, allowing for you to install electrics, plaster, and plumbing sooner.  

Deciding you install a timber frame extension can eliminate a lot of issues such as the noise and the mess from the construction. With this, you can gain an extension without feeling stressed and enjoy your house.  

Depending on the scale and complexity of the job, it usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks to design and build a timber extension. 

Will you need planning permission?  

You will need to check with your local council to see if your proposed extension is under permitted development. And if it is not you will need to seek planning permission. You may find that if you live in a conservation area or an area of natural beauty that you have restrictions on what you can achieve.  

How much does a timber frame extension cost? 

On average in the UK, the cost of planning and constructing a timber-framed extension is around £27,000, which is around £1,400-£2,400 per square meter. Prices can vary depending on the size of the project and also what type of timber you are using.  

Designing an Oak Home for Life - Build It
Timber frame extension

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