Timber frame external wall is one of the many ways a house can be constructed, it’s not a quick way to build a home as it requires time for the cladding to be installed and for the timber frame structure to dry. However, it does offer a high level of insulation and strength.

There are two main timber frame external wall options, open panel and closed panel systems. Closed panel systems are pre-manufactured panels which include a stud and rail frame with sheathing on both sides of the wall and insulation fixed between each. The panels are then sheeted with plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and a vapour barrier is attached to the OSB. Service cavities and insulation are then fitted. This type of system offers fast on site installation, a good level of performance and the ability to achieve low U-values.

Enhancing Efficiency: Timber Frame External Wall Insulation Details

Open panel systems use timber stud frames with insulation between them, and the walls are then sheeted with either plywood or OSB boards. This type of construction is very popular and offers builders a range of cladding options to choose from. It is recommended that a vapour check or airtight membrane is fixed to the plywood or OSB and a breather membrane to the inside of the wall.

The timber frame walls need to be dry before the cladding is installed, this can be achieved by using moisture control measures during construction and by implementing good practices once the building has been built. Moisture management is key for timber frame walls as it will help to avoid the risk of condensation in the insulation which could lead to timber damage and reduced thermal performance.