Oak building has a long tradition in the UK. People love its versatility and rich character. Oak can be used both in traditional and modern homes, but there are many misconceptions about it. These are some questions that people ask before buying oak frames.
Does it make it hard to obtain insurance for houses with oak frames? Are there higher fire risks?
Oak-framed buildings do not pose a higher fire risk. The same Building Regulations apply to all houses and buildings, whether they are made of bricks, timber or oak. Rumours of fire risks and insurance problems date back to the Eighties, when building regulations were less strict and softwood construction was more prevalent. Oak has a high fire resistance. In a fire the outer wood will char, protecting the core. If you use a reputable supplier, finding insurance shouldn’t be a problem.
Oak is more expensive than other woods
Oak is not expensive to build with. You can keep costs down by varying the amount of wood you use. You can add a touch of warmth to your home by using traditional oak beams for the living room, and a different type of wood elsewhere. Bespoke oak frames are a great way to get the same look and feel as this popular wood. For Timber Merchants Portsmouth, contact Timbco
Are there any benefits of building with oak if you have allergies?
The frames are made of oak, which is a natural product that contains no chemicals or preservatives. They can be used anywhere in the house including on flooring.
Building with oak, is it energy efficient?
Oak is a sustainable material with a low impact on the environment. Oak is carbon neutral. This means that the emissions produced by transporting, preparing and building oak are offset by the longevity of the oak frames.
Can you add a frame made of oak to a brick home?
Of course you can. Oak extensions are no different from any other extension type and they add a lot of character and charm to your property.
It is said that frames made of green oak can shrink or move
Green oak can be used because it is easy to cut into exact sizes and shapes. It’s ok for oak frames to settle a bit when they are first installed. Green oak is used for construction because it has a high moisture content. This makes the wood easier to shape and cut to precise sizes. When the oak timbers are first installed, they should move slightly to allow for settling. Oak will shrink and season over time. This tightens the joints and increases the structural strength.
