SHoWer CUBICLeS Save
TIMBer FraMe dWeLLINGS
The number of timber frame buildings in the UK is growing
as we realise the benefits of building with timber. Timber
frame buildings can be quick and relatively inexpensive to
build, which makes them cost-effective. They are also highly
versatile, as they can be clad in almost any building material.
Timber frame buildings are ‘greener’ than other building types
and produce far lower CO2 emissions than a traditional brick
build, for example. If the wood is ethically sourced, with all
trees replanted, the environmental credentials are even more
impressive.
So, it’s no wonder that today, the vast majority of new-build
homes in the UK are built with a timber frame, as we catch
up with the 70% of the world’s population who already live
in timber frame homes. The growth of the ‘glamping’ industry
is also largely thanks to flexible and affordable timber frame
accommodation.
However, some industry professionals are yet to fully appreciate
that timber frame buildings require special considerations,
especially when it comes to the bathrooms, and in particular
the showers.
Timber changes naturally over time and it can shift and warp
causing movement to the building. The bathrooms will be
affected. Traditional shower enclosures with their tiles, grout
and silicone gel could be more prone to leaking in timber frame
buildings, as if and when the buildings warps, the grouting in
the shower enclosure would be more likely to crack, meaning
the enclosure is no longer watertight and prone to leaking.
If any water finds its way into a building’s timber frame and
causes rot, this rot can jeopardise the building’s structural
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integrity. A traditional shower enclosure in a timber frame
building could be a costly accident waiting to happen.
A growing number of independent house builders and ‘glamping’
accommodation providers across the UK are realising the benefits
of shower cubicles and installing them from the outset, as they don’t
require any tiles, grouting, or silicone, which means no unhealthy
build up of mould, and no broken or loose tiles to repair, and swift,
cost-effective and hassle-free installation and maintenance.
For timber frame buildings, shower cubicles might actually be
essential. As no tiles or grouting are necessary, there’s no danger
of cracks forming when the house warps over time. This means
no leaks, so no risk of rotting, so, no danger to a timber frame
building’s structural integrity.
For existing timber frame buildings with traditional shower
enclosures, aside from repairing the shower enclosure periodically,
the other option is to replace the shower enclosure – or even the
bath – with a shower cubicle, sometimes in less than day. There’s
no mess, and no need to worry about your bathroom being off-
limits for weeks. You could have a clean, stylish, future-proof
bathroom in no time at all.
Landlords and housing associations with multiple timber frame
homes can even choose a cost-effective contract shower cubicle
to future-proof your entire portfolio.
Shower cubicles and timber frame homes were made for each
other. No matter what your relationship is with timber frame
houses - whether you build them, manage them or live in one - in
the long-term shower cubicles will save you many headaches and
a lot of money and will continue to look pristine.