Timber iQ October - November 2019 // Issue:46 | Page 41

FEATURES
becomes trapped around the pole.” This situation is
commonly associated with farmers’ fencing posts being
encased in concrete. If there is inadequate bracing of the
foundation poles, the structure will ‘rock’ in strong winds or
even collapse. Another error that could cause the structure to
collapse is inadequate bracing of the wall frames. This can
also cause cracks in the cladding.
Some builders do not include the noggins, which are the
horizontal members between the upright studs. The noggins
are used in the wall frames and it is essential that they are
not omitted in a timber frame structure. “These are critical
for the structural integrity of the home as well as to help
inhibit the spread of fire once it has penetrated the one side
of the wall cladding,” explains Bissett. He adds that
inexperienced builders sometimes leave out required
firestops because of their lack of knowledge of the building
codes. “Correct precautions need to be taken for fire so that
the structure complies with the fire regulations for the
correct fire rating.”
Consulting an engineer with experience in timber design
and construction is critical, especially when changes are
made to the structural design. Failure to do so could result in
overloading which can cause sagging floors, sticking windows
and doors and even a collapse in the structure.
“Another consequence of not adhering to the codes is
freezing in winter and boiling in summer due to inadequate
insulation in the floor, walls and roof as well as installing the
correct glazing where required,” Bissett adds.
attributed to a stodgier economy; tougher times make for an
environment in which consumers look to cut costs and many
desperate contractors are willing to cut corners to secure
work.” By using ITC-SA builder members, both clients and
builders stand to benefit because they will be able to save a
significant amount of money, and time.
Together with its membership, the ITC-SA monitors each of
its members, not only in relation to the training they must do
on an annual basis to attain and maintain their professional
designations, but in carrying out random inspections for
quality assurance at both truss plants and building sites, which
have a bearing on the member’s status with the Institute.
The ITC-SA plays a pivotal role in regulating and controlling
safe, consistent building standards in the industry by way of
its involvement in various committees and boards that inform
National Building Regulations. The Institute plays a crucial role
in the development of training material for the manufacture of
nail-plated timber roof trusses, for the erection of timber roof
trusses, and to facilitate training in these disciplines, in
compliance with the Skills Development Act.
“In trying economic times, it is increasingly common for
consumers to be tempted to save money on the construction
of a roof, timber home or deck, but this comes at a much
higher price in the long run, with much more at stake than just
financial burden,” says Obbes. “Consumers who severely cut
costs on building projects will most often have to spend even
more money to fix the problems that arise from using sub-
standard materials and workmanship. In many cases, the
problem cannot be fixed, but rather, must be undone before
correct building or installation can begin. This is not to
mention the physical threat to life and valuable possessions
posed by non-compliant structures,” she adds.
Timber as a building material is gaining traction across the
world and South Africa is not too far behind. Research has
shown the many benefits of using timber to build structures.
This has paved the way for timber frames as the base for
timber houses. Although there are many positive impacts of
timber frame structures, it is essential that they are built
according to the correct standards, otherwise the timber
structure ends up being unsafe and expensive to build and
maintain in the long run.
CREATING AWARENESS AND ADDING VALUE
TO THE INDUSTRY
For people considering building timber structures, the best
way to go about it is ensuring that they make use of builders,
architects and engineers who have experience in timber
structures. “The best way of doing that is to make sure they
are members of the Institute of Timber Construction – SA
(ITC-SA),” Bissett explains.
According to Amanda Obbes, ITC-SA general manager, the
Institute saw a marked upswing in queries and complaints
from the public relating to poor workmanship from non-
members in the trade in the first quarter of 2019. “This is a
recurring phenomenon and can, for the most part, be
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