quick advice wanted - timber frame assesment

[Mark]

Hi,

This afternoon I will be heading to france to look at a house, but the agent has emailed me details of another property whihc looks v. nice but is oak frame / columbage construction. I feel reasonably happy with stone buildings, but know very little about timber frames.

Can I assume that it the timber around the base is OK then the property should be reasonable? I have loved all the timber frame buildings I have been in but am a bit concerend about the costs / effort involved in sorting out problems with such houses.

So, can anyone point me at a quick guide. I would sit and google but I have a lot to do this morning, and I could easily waste 3 hours when somebody on here is bound to be able to point me at something appropriate (and accurate - which the interweb isnt always)

ta.

Mark

 

[Nemesis]

Well - not much help in the short term but if you look and fall in love with it it could be worth trying to get hold of this:

http://environment.uwe.ac.uk/video/history/section2.htm

Plenty of stuff online if you google though.

http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/documents/default.asp?mode=1&pk_document=8855

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/timber/wood93.htm

 

[andrew gayton]

the panel infil will be an important thing to look at; hard impervious materials will have a detrimental effect on the frame.... beware that outer face of framing may well look sound while the inner fabric may well be quite friable. if you can, have a good prod with knife/screwdriver. a good stem or plinth wall will certainly help with the longevity of horizontal frame member (soleplate) and jointing between sole plate and vertical timbers (studs or posts)... basically, look for panel infill (should be 'soft' ie clay or brick noggin..... a solepalte some courses off th eground... and that the base of the stem/plinth is free draining not butted up with a concrete path is that enough to help you? if you can, take some pictures and post for further advice. have fun in france (not at all envious)

 

[andrew gayton]

p.s internal finishes should be 'soft' also, and 'traditional' floors are also important..... beware of lino etc on concrete.... smile when you discover ventilated suspended timber floors/brick.tile/slab floors with unpointed joints..........................