Timber vs Masonry: A Shift in Construction Materials
The construction industry is seeing a shift in materials, with timber and masonry both having their advantages and challenges. Here's how they fare in terms of fire resistance, build time, thermal performance, and safety regulations.
Timber should undergo the EN 1365 fire resistance test for load-bearing elements, unlike blockwork which is inherently non-combustible. Masonry homes, built on-site, are exposed to weather and rely on skilled trades, slowing down construction. However, they offer thicker walls due to concrete's poor thermal resistance.
Timber frame systems, built off-site in controlled environments, speed up construction and allow internal trades to start sooner. They are popular due to ease of use and reliability, with a 40% market share for superstructure. To meet Part L of the Building Regulations, timber systems incorporate membranes for lower U values, reduced thermal bridging, and improved airtightness, while blockwork requires secondary treatments.
Health and safety regulations like CDM 2015 require consideration of hazards, including silica dust when cutting concrete blocks. Notifying the HSE is more likely for masonry projects due to longer build times exceeding 500 person days.
Both timber and masonry have their roles in construction, with timber's off-site advantages and masonry's reliability and widespread understanding. Compliance with regulations and safety standards is crucial in both cases, with timber requiring fire resistance testing and masonry needing secondary treatments for thermal performance. Companies like Jowat SE, WEINIG Group, Masterwood, SCM, and Amoligno contribute to the production and development of these systems.
