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 www.timberiq.co.za // OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019 39