Timber iQ December 2018 - January 2019 // Issue: 41

FEATURES The award winning Cheré Botha School in the Western Cape makes use of a unique building design element in the form of exposed timber roof trusses. The rise and rise of timber roofs The use of structural timber as an integral part of roof design and construction is garnering greater attention – we find out why. By Candace Sofianos King R egarded by the timber industry as a sound and well performing resource in construction, the use of wood as a structural material adds various benefits to roof design. Its availability, sustainable traits, and workable nature turns timber into an efficient and attractive raw material of choice. Unlike steel and concrete, timber is a renewable resource in abundance in South Africa, says JD Botha of Biligom International – the innovative business behind the patented process of using moist eucalyptus to produce structural timber. He highlights that far more timber and roofing technologies have been adopted in the market in comparison to 10 years ago – a positive reality that will help reshape the roofing sector. “The South African construction industry is still set on its old brick and mortar ways, but more timber frame housing is being built thanks to better workmanship, costs, timber 30 DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 // preservatives and design technologies – so yes, timber is revolutionising the roofing and construction sector as a whole,” says Botha. He notes that the timber roofing industry is quite competitive which lends itself to being sufficient where one can expect very competitive prices. “Roof truss designers must think out of the box when designing roofs to ensure their roofing quotes are more competitive. They should also make use of alternative technologies for this reason,” believes Botha. PUNTING BEST PRACTICE The local roofing industry is world class when it comes to industry standards, rational designs and inspections, says Botha. He adds that Biligom, like many structural timber See more on page 32 www.timberiq.co.za

Timber iQ December 2018 - January 2019 // Issue: 41 | Page 32