A Timber Frame is a building constructed of heavy timbers, joined using traditional wood to wood joinery and integral diagonal bracing to form a unique self-supporting framework.

The joinery is a derivation of the traditional mortise and tenon or dovetail styles. Typically, only minimal steel plates, nails or bolts are used in the frame, only wood pins and wedges.

A good indicator of the Timber Frame style of building is the “Bent” framing technique. In Bent construction large Bents, or cross sections, of the structure are joined and preassembled to form large trusses where each component gains strength from its mating units. These Bents traditionally were raised by hand during marathon frame raisings. Bent style of framing allows the use of long, one piece posts which are not only stronger, but virtually eliminates the cross grain shrinkage and settling associated with both Log and Post & Beam construction.

Post & Beam is similar to Timber Frame, and this is where most of the confusion comes in. Many companies are using this style of framing.

Post & Beam is a contemporary derivation of Timber Framing where smaller posts are closely spaced with beams laid over them. On multistory buildings they simply repeat this system for each story. Although there are companies using joinery for this style of work, it tends to be minimal and held within the limits of what automated machinery can produce. Many Post & Beam companies use exposed metal joining plates, spikes and bolts and some also seem to feel that diagonal bracing is an option.

Post & Beam buildings have many of the same insulation and closure options that Timber Framing uses. However, some companies continue the outdated application of an infill stud closure. This type of closure, while allowing room for insulation, forces the building utilities to be drilled through the timbers and absolutely destroys the integrity of a vapor retarder that can cause premature rot of the building.

A log structure is built by stacking and pinning together horizontal logs to form the walls of the building. Some log buildings use a type of timber roof system.

This type of wall can be subject to considerable shrinkage and settling as the logs dry. This shrinkage can cause problems at doors, windows and floor systems.

Often only 5" to 6" of wood provides the entire insulation envelope of the structure. In a 5" pine log home this yields only an “R” 6.25 insulation value. Many log-to-log connections are much thinner providing less insulation.

In as much as the logs form the walls, exterior and interior finishes, the choices of finishes can be limited. Some climates are simply not suited to a “natural” wood finish at the exterior. Maintenance costs can be staggering, if the Owner is forced to treat the exterior every 2-3 years. The interior finishing of round log buildings can be difficult as well. Irregular surfaces mean that all adjoining materials must be scribed, only to change as the logs dry.

While our clients appreciate the beauty of wood, one of the most common laments that we hear about log buildings is that“It’s just too much wood!”. There are not many ways to change the decor of a log building.

You may have personally experienced this style of building in an old family barn or while traveling overseas. Soaring ceilings, large posts and girts spanning long open areas and the warmth of the space are typical of Timber Framed buildings.

The builders of these barns, homes and cathedrals carried the knowledge of this type of construction with them to the New World. From early American times until the mid 1800's Timber Framing was the primary construction method used.

Timber Framing fell out of favor as the construction needs of the growing country exceeded the capabilities of joiners. During the 1800's new techniques for producing light framing materials and fasteners allowed for faster construction, assembled by less skilled labor, forcing Timber Framing into “hibernation.”

Timber Framing never completely died away but became the study of a lost art until fairly recently. This awakening occurred as some builders and homeowners began to see the folly of conventional building techniques.

The sterile, energy wasting sheet rock boxes we lived in provided little more than shelter. We now demand better use of our forest resources, less reliance on dwindling fuel for heating and cooling, and all together a healthier and more comforting place to call home.

However the appeal of Timber Framing goes way beyond this “warm fuzzy” feeling and “romantic” notions. We do not mean to discount “warm fuzzy” feelings and romance. We all want more than shelter from our homes. We want to be surrounded by craftsmanship. We want our homes to be beautiful. We can appreciate the history of Timber Framing passed down to us through the generations. Still, we also need to address the concerns of building into the New Millennium. This is where Timber Framing excels.

What comes to mind first are our forest resources. Today the norm is for a house to be stick built (stud construction). In our area the preferred material is softwood. This can be Douglas Fir or Hemlock from the west coast, or spruce, pine or fir from Maine and Canada. Natural forest land surrounds us, so shipping framing material anywhere from 1000-3000 miles really seems rather comical. We can construct Timber Frames from a variety of local wood species using substantially less wood material than a stick built structure. All of this results in labor and fuel savings (less shipping costs). We can eliminate the mono cultured stands of forest subject to disease (by using varied species). We can build the local economy (by harvesting timber locally). We can have less environmental impact (by using less wood material). All of this is not a bad start.

Next we come to energy use for the lifetime of the building. We enclose and insulate most modern Timber Frame buildings using Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s.) For more about SIP's, see the SIP section. But briefly, the panels create a very efficient insulation envelope, unbroken by framing members. The panels are available in various configurations and coverings, and yield very low energy use for the building.

Yes, you can have a choice in both your interior and exterior finishes. We have many design options for finish materials and the entire frame is left open to the interior spaces. It just keeps getting better!

The mechanics of Timber Frame construction naturally mesh with most designs, from traditional room arraignments to large open spaces. Few posts supporting long spans of beams create very adaptable spaces. The timbers bear all of the weight of the structure, allowing interior partitions to be positioned, moved or eliminated as your design requires.

Instead of the typical sheet rock boxes for rooms you can have open, light filled spaces which naturally flow from room to room. If you want a more traditional layout, your rooms can be offset against the beauty of exposed timbers giving each room a warmth and charm rarely seen in new construction.

Lastly, with our design and construction experience we can integrate any modern utility or convenience into your project. Between our understanding the mechanics of each installation and the requisite building code compliance, we are confident that we can build the systems you require into your Timber Frame.

Consider all of the above features, from protecting our forest resources, thoughtful energy consumption, design flexibility, integrated system design all the way to beautiful living spaces. Timber Framing looks like the only logical choice!

All of this is what Timber Framing is. Timber Framing is what we do!

First we will refer you to the section “What is Timber Framing?”. There you will find an explanation of the difference between Timber Frame, Log and Post & Beam types of construction.

If your question relates to comparing stick construction with Timber Frame, you may find some answers there as well. To recap & expand on that section a little further; so far we have hit on shipping expenses (moving “sticks” 1000-3000 miles) and using diverse local woods instead of one or two types of softwood which are commonly re-planted in mono cultured stands (subject to disease).

Now let’s address energy use. Stick construction is versatile in its simplicity but there are some drawbacks. With this style of construction requiring a framing member every 16" to 24" there are significant thermal voids in the insulation envelope. Heat loss occurs at each stick, at each utility penetration and through convection in the insulation. Add the difficulties in properly installing a vapor retarder and you now have dampness lowering the “R” value of the insulation, or worse, rot. There is no practical way around this dilemma.

We most often enclose Timber Frames with Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s.) The SIP’s wrap entirely around the exterior of the frame, forming an uninterrupted curtain of insulation, with a continuous vapor retarder. The only breaks in this curtain are for your windows & doors. Convective heat loss can not occur within the panel as the core is solid foam. SIP’s yield a true “R” rating for their insulation value. They are not effected by wind, convection or framing members.

The final argument for using Timber Framing can be very personal, as it deals with design and esthetics. Of course if your design demands open and airy spaces it is just natural to use Timber Framing. If you like being surrounded by wood timbers, fine craftsmanship and thrill at the warm interplay between timber, plaster and stone then Timber Framing is the only way to go.

Once you experience a Timber Frame, see for yourself the warmth, efficiency and beauty of the exposed structure then you will see why we believe that there is no other method of construction which makes any sense.

First, you should look at how we operate. We involve you in every aspect of building your new home.

Next, we are not mass-producers of "post-and-beam" frames (we call them beam-stackers). We custom design and fabricate every component of your home.

Then the fact that we have over 30 years experience in the building trades. Of particular note is that we do not know just carpentry. Rather we are well versed in all the systems that come together to make a house a home. We are constantly researching and investigating new products and technologies, while still being firmly rooted in the crafts of our ancestors.

Finally we should point out how unique Timberworks Housewrights is becoming in the Timber Frame industry. There are fewer and fewer Timber Frame companies that provide on-site construction services, and the ones that do, only provide frame raisings. Timbers can and will provide any part of the project, or the entire project, as you decide.

We would welcome your contact and the chance to discuss your ideas, so we can show you how Timberworks Housewrights can deliver for you.

Just about anywhere! We will travel anywhere to stand a frame. Most times we can also provide the SIP system. Beyond this, we may need to limit the services we provide away from our home area here in north east Pennsylvania, but we have provided completed projects out of the area.

Generally there are no steel brackets, bolts or nails in the Timber Frame. Mortise and Tenon joinery held in place with ash pins are our mainstays. There are many derivations of this joint used; housed dovetails, tusk tenons, chase mortises, free splines and scarf joints. All carrying timbers are shouldered.

All of our mortise & tenon joinery is pre fit and draw bored at our shop. This ancient method of joinery consists of offsetting the pin holes within the joint, causing the pin to pull the joint tight and pre stressing the pin. This gives us the tightest, most accurate fitting joinery at raising time and years later.

We take great pride in the choice, design and execution of the joinery used in our frames. Our cutting methods allow us to choose the most suitable design for each individual situation. We do not allow the joinery to be defined by the capabilities of our power tools. We still use our traditional hand tools!

Using these methods allow us to adapt our style of joinery to fit your design, Gothic, Early American, Craftsman...

The typical finish on our frames involves planing the timbers smooth, sanding, applying a chamfer at each exposed edge and hand rubbing in a natural oil finish. We can give your Timber Frame any finish, edge embellishment or texture you desire.

When the Timber Frame is complete the timbers are bundled and wrapped for delivery to the project site.

As you compare joinery for your project, you should look carefully now. Not only will these joints be supporting your project, but this large piece of architecture will be a major influence of the interior design.

Just as our products and services are customized for each Client, so is our payment schedule. It really depends on what work we are providing and the timing of each step. We can not give a boiler-plate answer as there is none. We can state that there are required down payments, progress payments and final payments, although the amounts are determined by your project flow.

One special note about payment schedules however...Timberworks does not provide financing. What we mean here is that once the payment schedule is arrived at, it is what it is. If your releases of monies or bank "draws" do not match these payments, we will still require the payments. We leave it to our Clients to ensure that funds are available so as not to hinder the work progression.

There are now lending institutions that are familiar with Timber Frame, Log & "modular" construction processes that understand these principles. The so called "systems built" housing industry is well established now and financing is available based on these systems.

We will fabricate your Timber Frame from any commercial specie of wood you would like.

Red Oak is always our starting point and good measuring gauge. We compare all other species we work with to Red Oak in our shop. When we factor in cost, strength, local availability and beauty, Red Oak is the best overall choice for Timber Framing material in our area.

First let us stress that we do traditional Timber Framing. Historically all timber work with the exception of cathedrals and temples, has been done with “green” or unseasoned woods.

Drying timbers to be used in construction has always been much too costly! Today, even with the options of kiln drying, standing dead and recycled timbers, the same still holds true.

While each of these techniques offer the ability to limit shrinkage factors, they do little to limit face checking. When boxed heart timbers dry they will face check. These timbers will have face checking and some will also have discoloring, nail holes, bolt holes and insect or animal damage.

Finally, even the least expensive of these options come in at material costs in excess of 2 ½ times our costs for Red Oak. Most of our clients choose to invest their money into more tangible aspects of their project.

We have learned a lot by studying the fine examples of historic Timber Frames. By combining draw boring and proper joinery choices with finely executed craftsmanship we can reduce the effects of shrinkage on our finished projects. This and our unique method of creating relief cuts, end grain sealing and control joints throughout the frame’s major components allow us to minimize face checking.

You can expect some face checking and movement as the timbers settle into their new life. Still, Timber Frames, like ourselves, are organic, natural (some might say alive.) We can all expect a few wrinkles!

Well that's a tough one to answer! If we were like many in the Timber Frame industry, we could be turning out many frames, but not many complete projects. Our services are customized to provide you with whatever services you require.

What that means is that if we do one addition, one turn-key house and one entryway this year, we will do three. If we were only cutting and shipping frames, we might do twelve. There was once a two year time span that we did one.

See where this is going? It all depends on what you require from us. One thing we can say about this question...we do one project at a time, to the best of our abilities, before we move to the next. Is that what you really meant to ask? ;o)

The answer here entirely depends on the size of the frame, the amount of timber involved and the complexity of your project. Take for instance a average story-and-a-half traditional cape, about 1800 square feet? We should be able to complete the joinery in about 3-4 weeks. It really does depend on what your ideas encompass. We recently did a 14' X 16' addition that took several months to join. Sounds excessive? Not when you consider the curved timbers and forged iron work!

A better question might be "how long will it take before you receive the timbers for our frame?". The lead time required before your timbers are at our shop door is most often the deciding factor in scheduling. All our timbers are custom ordered so lead times can vary, sometimes up to 8-12 weeks. Plan ahead and give us as much lead time as possible!

We typically stand a standard frame, say about 2000 square feet, within one week. Larger and more complex projects will take longer. Difficult on-site conditions can make things take forever!

Many design factors come into this equation such as floor loads, ceiling heights, direction of span and availability of “special” timbers. For economy it is usually best if spans are kept reasonable, but let us know your requirements.

We do not believe in trying to fit your requirements into an existing design. Your individual needs and wants should dictate the shape, style and amenities of your project. The only thing that each of our Clients have in common is their passion for Timber Framing. Your project should be just as individual.

This may be changing in the future as we consider (once again) whether to introduce a line of pre-designed standard Timber Frame packages. If this happens, these designs will be smaller, very efficient energy wise and great for living with a small footprint. Watch our web site for information about these designs.

No. The model home concept is geared more to the manufacturer/dealer relationship. Timberworks refuses to be a "manufacturer" or sell through "dealers". The customization we provide for your project requires that we keep our dealings close. You are contacting the designer, fabricator and builder when you call Timberworks.

Back to the question though...also due to how we customize our products and services, there can be no "model" for what we do. We sometimes have access to past Client's homes that we can show you, plus our Owner, Mitch, often opens his home to meet with new Clients. Just keep in mind that his home is always in some stage of construction!

Whether you call it robotic, CNC or Hunddeger, this is a question which has only come up recently. Many Post & Beam companies, and some Timber Frame companies have switched over to this technology. There appears to be the impression that these behemoths result in a superior product.

To date, the only possible benefit we have seen to Timber Frame enthusiasts is that they may result in a faster turn around on the fabrication of their frame. We can see no increase in finish quality or joinery which would justify the immense expense of capital required to own one of these technological wonders.

On the pro side of these machines; they are fast, they are consistent (with proper maintenance), and they require less manpower. On the con side; they (in our humble opinion) may be too fast. These wonder machines require great quantities of timber to satisfy their appetite, as well as their monthly payments. This is leading to the homogenization of timber sizes and species.

What this means is that timber cutters will need to stock timbers from which to feed their machines. This will result in one species and standard sizes being available for your new home. The material of choice for this is Douglas Fir, based on it’s availability and storage capabilities. This will also lead to the cutting of our only remaining old growth western woods, which in turn will result in more mono-cultured re-planting subject to disease. When these large old growth timbers are gone, modern forestry techniques will never allow them to occur again.

Yes, the joinery executed by these machines is very consistent. We do not see any shops with these machines lowering their costs, nor do we see any increase in the quality of the final product. In fact, the machine cut frames we have seen, seem to be more flawed than our hand crafted frames. As they are completely computer driven, the old adage of Garbage-In-Garbage-Out (GIGO) seems to apply.

While we can not say that any one of our designs is flawless, we do have the opportunity to make corrections in that humans are laying out and fashioning the joinery. Which leads us to our final conclusion, which may be the most troubling.

Yes, these machines require less manpower. Even though the joinery spitting out of these machines is far from finished, and still requires completion by workers, they will result in the loss of our craft. The skill level of the workers required to finish machine cut joinery is far below the standard of the Timber Frame industry.

After delving into our craft in the 1970's and helping in the revival of our industry, which has made these machines feasible, our Owner, Mitch V. Rowland, has fears for the sustainability of our craft, when one robotic machine can replace many highly skilled craft persons.

Yes, it takes years to properly train, or for the student to learn, all aspects of the Timber Frame craft and business. Yes, robotic machines produce a product similar to a hand-crafted frame. But faster is not always better. You will lose one of the greatest appeals of the Timber Frame, the human touch and craftsmanship.

We believe that Timberworks will remain a hand-crafted shop for the foreseeable future. There is one additional point we should make here. Timberworks seems to be becoming quite unusual in the Timber Frame industry, in that when we hand-craft your timbers, the same Joiners who fashioned your joinery will travel to your project and assemble the frame.

More and more shops are ignoring this important aspect of the process of creating your home, which we feel is the wrong direction to take. When shops become burdened with the obligation of churning out as many frames as possible to feed the costs and maintenance of these whirring boxes, more of these personal touches and interaction will stop.

We feel you deserve better. Please do not get the idea that Timberworks is a bunch of Luddites, shunning all technology and improvements. Quite the opposite actually. We fully adopted CAD technology in 1985. Although we started out from a very traditional basis, with only hand tools and methods, we have fully embraced new machinery and tools, with two criteria in all these choices. All of these improvements must provide these two benefits. The first, and guiding benefit, is that each improvement must improve our final product. The second is that each improvement must lower our costs.

We do not see either of these criteria present in the current technology of robotic machines. We also believe that, once they get past the “Gee Whiz!” phase, the rest of our industry will see the folly of this trend.

You might want to check out Mitch's blog for more of a discussion on CNC and mono-cultured timber species.

The biggest reason is the variety of services we offer. With so many options, some of our projects are only similar in that we build them of timbers. We would be forced to write a book of instructions and assembly directions for each project!

If you are looking for a kit in order to be involved with the building process, then we can still help. Our services are customized to your needs. Many Owner-Builders have successfully acted as contractors for the finishing of their project after Timberworks has stood their frame.

When it comes to the Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s), we have many specialized tools and techniques for working with them which allow us to complete the enclosure quickly and efficiently. Many of these tools are not readily available. Although the SIP’s are a wonderful technology, we must still detail them properly to prevent a costly or irreparable flaw in the system. It may be in your best interest to let us apply the SIP's and you then take over.

We will, although the costs generally are much higher for doing so, unless you have access to a free structure. Even then the cost of dismantling, cleaning, repairing and standing the frame in a new location is excessive. Working with only salvage timbers presents many challenges as well, mismatched timber species, color variations, old hardware, rot and insects all lead to exasperation. And that old wood is very difficult to work!

That said, if you want to use salvage timbers, we will, and have. It may be a great "green" concept but in real life it may not be worth it.

Yes. Please, just do not compare what we do to a "pole-barn"! Timber Framing partly fell out of favor for costs and speed. Timber Framing is very labor-intensive and quality materials cost. There are companies that will erect you a finished pole-barn for less than our materials may cost, for the frame alone!

However, if you are looking for something nice, a barn for your own use, a showroom, restaurant, commercial space...we can do it!

Sure. We can and have. While barns were our first love, it is not what we do on a daily basis. Given the choice of working on a new Timber Frame over a barn with rot and insect problems...well, you know. Ask! We may be able to fit your project in.

Sustainable "green" construction is not a new concept at Timberworks Housewrights. In fact, the whole "green" movement is a little baffling to us. We were "green" before "green" was cool!

The entire concept of "green" was at the heart of forming Timberworks three decades ago. We were committed to involving the Client in all decisions related to the materials that go into your home. We were committed to using local renewable timber resources, not virgin old growth. Our processes use less wood fiber (Yes! Less!) than other systems, and produces less waste. By incorporating SIP's with the Timber Frame we produce low energy use buildings, or with the addition of solar or wind capabilities, net-zero or net-gain homes! We have always advocated for healthy and earth-friendly materials and finishes.

So, you see, "green" is nothing new here. In fact we are pleased to see the industry & consumers finally waking up. What is comical is the hype and marketing...we even saw one log home producer advertising that "using log construction will lock up all that carbon...". Simply amazing!

Yes. We build green and using sustainable methods. Always have and always will. Together, as a team, we need to separate the hype from fact, and then place it all in the real world. That fantastic new panel product made from agriculture waste can indeed be very earth-friendly and healthy. The problem is that it is made 1200 miles from your project and is not cost competitive. Is it still green by the time it is installed?

For more musings on the "green" movement, please see Mitch's blog.

Yes. We can design, fabricate and, sometimes, install any timber component you require. These can be placed in existing buildings or conventionally framed (stick), SIP or log structures.

Every foundation system needs to be individually designed based on soil, slope, use and loading. Timber Frame structures can be placed on any style of foundation provided it is detailed properly.

The foundation is not the place to cut corners. If we expect our frame to last several hundred years, then we would not put it on a wood foundation with a forty-year guarantee.

The first floor deck framing can also be in many forms. If there will be living space in the cellar area we can provide a full timber deck, difficult for utilities, but possible. We can use timber posts and girders to hold up a conventional joist deck. Or we can use a conventional girder and joist deck. We can detail the deck to fit your needs and budget.

One note on our “conventional” joists. Unless absolutely necessarily for some reason, we no longer specify solid wood joists (IE: 2x10, 2x12, etc.) We prefer to use engineered Ijoists or laminated beams based on their strength and stability.

Also, yes, we can stand your Timber Frame on a slab floor. While this is not our first choice based on energy and mechanical system concerns, we can and have done slab installations. It's all in the details...

Afraid we don't have one answer here as there are too many variables. What do you require? What is the home design? Will passive or active solar be used? How will you be heating potable hot water? Will you require air conditioning? And, yes, what is the projected budget?

All these decisions factor into the "ideal" heating system for your home. We love hot water radiant systems...invisible, quiet, clean and very,very comfortable. Are they good for everyone's budget? No. And what if you want or need air conditioning? Hmmm...

We sure do! An addition is a great way to introduce the warmth and beauty of Timber Framing into an existing building. We can provide design, drafting, engineering, the Timber Frame...all the way to a finished project if you like. Whether you are looking for a Great Room, Kitchen or a master suite, we can do it all or any part of it.

Sure! We have done outdoor bell supports/covers, entrances to water parks, porches, pavilions...If it can be built with timbers, we can do it. Tell us your ideas!

Absolutely! If you need complete design and drafting services, we can do it all.

If you want to develop your own ideas, we can provide the Timber Frame and SIP designs alone, or consult with you as required to integrate your design with all the systems.

If you are working with another designer, we can coordinate our services with theirs. However, if Timberworks is not providing the complete construction document package, we always develop our own shop drawings for the Timber Frame and SIP's. In fact, this is often required by outside designers in any case.

Just keep in mind that the earlier you bring us into the picture, the easier it will be to bring the project together.

Through our connections with engineering firms we provide structural analysis and review by appropriately licensed Structural Engineers.

All of our Timber Frame design work includes this service, as well as the sealed construction documents required by your State or locale.

Yes. Sometimes. Maybe...it really depends on several factors.

If the design will work with Timber Frame, then we can adapt it to use our systems. We would need to enter into a Design Agreement to draw up the Construction Documents.

Did you develop the plan yourself? If so then we can probably adapt it to Timber Frame & panel construction.

Did you purchase the rights to use the design (plan company) or did you work with a designer to develop the plan? Is it just something you saw in the back of a magazine? Probably not then. Design laws prevent us from using these designs. The best we can offer is to extract the elements that you like from the existing plan and re-create a new design integrating Timber Frame & SIP's. This service would be provided under our Design Agreement.

Certainly. Timberworks Houseworks takes great pride in having designed in features for accessibility long before it was required in Building Codes. We are confident that we can provide a design to make any person comfortable & at home.

One off-shoot of this is also considering the generation house. Persons age, physical abilities evolve & lifestyles change. We like to consider all of this at the drawing board and try to make the living spaces adaptable across a wide range of life changes.

Contact Timberworks today! You can also see our "Working With Us" section on this web site. There you will find a loose outline of steps to consider to prepare for our first conversation.

SIP’s are a composite of familiar construction materials fashioned into the fastest, most cost effective and energy efficient method to enclose Timber Frames.

The SIP’s we use are an assembly of interior and exterior “skins” with a foam core between. Our standard panel configuration provides us with a true insulating value of “R”27.5 at walls and roofs. We can also go beyond these values if you wish!

One note about "R" values may need to be stated here. Insulation properties are measured in static environments. Things change drastically when insulations are applied haphazardly in the real world, with a steady wind blowing through the assembly. Comparing conventional insulation to SIP's can be difficult as the conventional insulation will always loose out. SIP "R" values are real numbers, as there is no cavity for conventive loss or wind to blow through. Many SIP assemblies can far exceed your Code requirements, with lower stated "R" values, when the entire assembly is evaluated.

We apply the panels to the outside of the timbers, both walls and roofs. This system provides an uninterrupted insulation curtain unbroken by framing members. The very nature of the insulating foam core and the detail of the panel seams provide an uninterrupted vapor retarder as well as great sound deadaning properties. SIP's also make the task of meeting "green" or energy efficient certification easier.

The panels are available with a variety of skin options which allows Timberworks to choose the form best suited to your design. After a short panel preparation stage, we typically apply the SIP’s in one day on an average size residence.

Our major concern is of course the foam core. The panels we use contain either Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) or Isocyanurate (polyurethane or PUR) foam, types of Class I plastic foam. As with any foam plastic product there are environmental concerns and petroleum use. As the foam cores are mostly air, the actual amount of petroleum use is small. On the other hand, when we look at the big picture, we see any possible environmental impact from the production and manufacture of these plastics offset over the life span of our projects. We all need to look at impact & sustainability based on the life-cost of each decision.

In our use of foam panels since 1981 it has proved itself as a superior product, strong, long lived and very effective at cutting energy use. Most of our buildings which we have enclosed with SIP’s are requiring about ½ the energy required to heat and cool a comparable stick built structure. We see over a long period, enough benefits to using foam core SIP’s to out weigh any possible risks.

The panels require no ventilation within themselves as it is impossible under normal conditions for vapor to condense within the panel.

What we need to be concerned with is ventilation of the roofing material. For all roofing we require a “cold” roof by furring atop the roof panels and applying another layer of sheathing. This space is vented using eave and ridge vents. We require this procedure to ventilate the roofing and remove any errant moisture.

We can apply some alternative types of roofing directly to the roof deck, although we prefer to have a cold roof at all times.

We attach the panels to the outside of the frame using special wide head screws.

When we install the panel system, we cut and prepare all the rough openings.

We cut and frame each penetration with conventional lumber as a nailing base. Then the window or door is installed and sealed just as in standard construction practice.

We have recently seen a trend in panel applicators, where they seem to consider cutting the rough openings and framing them as an “optional” service. Timberworks installs all of their own panel enclosures, and always prepares the opening as a standard procedure.

Any company offering panel application without including completed rough openings should be avoided.

Our standard SIP panel allow screws to be driven in anywhere as required to support heavy loads. Hanging pictures, and the like, in your completed home is a dream. Just put a nail or screw anywhere you like!

At the time that we prepare the panels, we make provisions for all the electric lines contained within the panels. When we are finished all the electrician needs to do is to set the boxes in the panels and make the connections in the cellar or crawl space.

As in all good designs, we never run plumbing through the exterior walls. We run all plumbing through the interior partitions or in chases laid out during the design phase.

We are seeing a trend among panel applicators where the electric services for your home or project are only an afterthought. Timberworks always plans and provides for all your utilities on the project we design and build. This is our standard service, not an additional cost option!

Your roofing and siding options are virtually unlimited if we know of your choice at the time we design the SIP enclosure. For siding all types of wood, brick, stone and even vinyl can be used. For roofing we have experience with asphalt shingles, wood shakes & shingles, corrugated metal, standing seam metal, concrete tiles, slate and synthetic slate.

With building such a well-insulated structure comes the responsibility of installing and maintaining a mechanical ventilation system (air to air heat exchanger.) This system is in every conditioned structure we design.

These systems will work automatically to maintain the proper humidity level and to exhaust stale air and fumes. With only semi-annual maintenance (clean the filters & check operation) these units remain very efficient by preheating incoming air with the exhaust air.

You can also help to keep the air quality of your home safe by selecting & installing proper choices of building materials. If you have particular environmental sensitivities, allergies or just concerns about healthy living there are many ways we may be able to help with your choices.

The panels we use consist of inside and outside skins of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and a foam core. The foam core does not contain any formaldehyde. The adhesives in the OSB emit less than 0.1 PPM (parts per million) of formaldehyde. This is well below the accepted level for living areas. In fact, during the testing of OSB, the levels were so low as to be difficult to measure separate from the naturally occuring levels in the environment.

If your building site is susceptable to wood-boring insects, yes. Any time there are wood-boring insects near ANY structure there should be concern. You may be impacting their environment by building within it so measures need to be taken. Of particular concern are Carpenter Ants and Termites.

Carpenter Ants do not digest wood or foam plastics. In their natural habitat they hollow out rotting wood to create living and nesting cavities. Keep water out and the ants will not be able to nest. The problem comes in the SIP's. The ants think they have found a great log to nest in! They are able to produce enough moisture from the food (vegetable matter) they bring in and from their own bodies to keep the nest damp. The only measures to prevent them, if they are already on-site is to create barriers. Keep vegetation away from the building and do not store firewood or other organic matter nearby. A "belt" of diatomaceous earth sprinkled around the foundation from time to time helps as well. Some foam manufacturers can apply borates while making the SIP panels also.

The Termites that are native to our area are subterranean termites, in that they nest under the ground. From their protective bunker they will build travel tubes to reach your home. Termites can be a real threat in that they digest wood fibers, including paper, cardboard and engineered wood products. If your site offers the nesting locations they require, then preventative measures should be taken during construction. Passive barriers and borates only go so far. The only fail-safe is ground poisoning and periodic re-applications. While Carpenter Ants are a nuisance, termites present a real danger to your home, but not only to the SIP's but the entire structure. Please speak to a licensed pesticide handler for more information.

We can only answer this with another question. What services do you require? We provide any or all of the products and services you require to make your project a reality.

Timberworks typically provides design, engineering, drafting, fabrication, shipment and standing of all of our Timber Frame projects. Most times we also design and install the SIP package which includes the panels, portions of the wall finishes, window & door openings and provisions for the electric work.

Many Clients also choose to have us provide, install and seal your window & doors. Some choose to have us provide a weather-tight "shell" (Timber Frame, SIP's, window & doors, siding & trim, roof).

Other Clients want a complete turn-key project. You only need to tell us your requirements!

Just because we specialize in Timber Frame construction, that is not all we do. Because of our extensive experience in all phases of construction we can provide any product or service you require. We have provided conventional stick framing, complete electric installations, radiant heat systems...you name it, we probably know the products and how to install them completely.

Nearly any aspect of maintenance or handyman work you can imagine! From small carpentry jobs, to electric, plumbing or finishing, we can do it all. We can also set up a Service Agreement for recurring events or to simply do a walk-through inspection for problems that our experienced eye might notice.

We operate our maintenance & handyman services as a service business. Much the same way as you would with an electrician or plumber...we charge for a Service Call and provide an Estimate for the requested work. The billing cost for these services are based on the hourly fee and material costs contained in the Estimate. If you elect not to have the work performed, we still require payment of the Service Call fee.

There are two ways to approach your needs, on-call or with a Service Agreement. On-call means that you just contact us when you have a need. We will set up a Service Call and come out to inspect the work and issue a Estimate.

A Service Agreement allows us to contact you to schedule a periodic service to be performed without incurring the Service Call base fee. Costs are determined by the tasks required and materials required and are billed on completion of the service.

Due to the custom nature of our services we cannot offer ballpark estimates. We have no “baseline” or standard product to give you figures on. Each of our projects is unique, as are the services we provide. We make cost figures using realistic estimates and based on your individual requirements.

For a starting point though, some recent projects have come in as low as $175 per square foot, while the “average” is probably closer to $200-250 per square foot. Keeping in mind that we never use "per square foot" pricing to arrive at project costs. All of our work is pricing using real world sticks & bricks methods. We take into account the selected materials and realistic labor projections to arrive at pricing for your project. Pricing custom work, as provided by Timberworks, is nothing more than a wild guess, without taking into consideration your requirements.

The national average cost for single family custom homes recently exceeded $175 per square foot. A true Timber Frame with Structural Insulated Panel enclosure may not be able to beat this number, but we can be quite competitive when you calculate in hand-crafted exposed timbers and the lifetime energy savings of a extremely well insulated shell.

Please remember that these figures are per square foot of living space. We use the commonly accepted architectural standard to calculate the square footage of living space. Beware of those that do not! These calculations do not include land, land improvements, landscaping, appliances, lighting fixtures and non conditioned living spaces such as porches, decks, patios, garages and storage areas.

Many clients appear to have sufficient capital to build the home they wish, until they tell us about the mile long road needing to be built, the difficult septic design, the 42' x 12' covered porch, the 3 car garage, the commercial style appliances and the hand-crafted imported lighting.

Living space is calculated on actual floor footage of conditioned (heated and/or cooled) living space, from outside wall faces. Stairwells are counted once. Generally, ceiling heights of less than 5' are not counted. Vaulted spaces or cathedral ceilings will cost more per square foot as the floor space can be only counted once.

Obviously, if another company does not adhere to these industry standards of measure, their completed costs per square foot will be less than Timberworks! You also need to be careful, as many companies will quote your project without complete numbers. Many tend to quote a Timber Frame without shipping, crane service, travel expenses for the raising crew and sometimes even the cost of the raising crew!

Often we see quotes for SIP enclosure without provisions for the electric wiring or temporary covering for the roof. We have even seen where the panels are installed without the window openings cut and framed! When you receive a quotation from Timberworks, it is a detailed description of the services provided with firm pricing. No vague numbers, no extras.

As we customize our services, estimating your project can be most accurate after we have had a preliminary meeting. If distance or scheduling prohibits our getting together, and you already have at least a preliminary design, you can forward any information you have to us and we will attempt to work up Estimates for you.

Sure thing! Only thing is that we do not specify or install flimsy units. For decades now we have only recommended Velux brand products and are proud now to provide them to fit your needs. Contact us to discuss your requirements, or see the Velux web site for sizing and configuration options.

Timberworks Housewrights is currently underway to carry a packaged & installed system potable hot water system for your home. We will be able to size the package to provide most, if not all, of the domestic hot water needs of your family. Coupled with energy savings and clean energy credits the system is designed to pay for itself in short order.

Timberworks is only able to offer these systems as fully installed packages. Please see our Solar page for more information.

In short though, a collector is placed on the roof, or other outdoor structure, and fluid is circulated to heat a hot water tank. The initial investment is not free, but the energy is! Coupled with suplemental wind electric, we see a very short payback time coming soon!

Timberworks Housewrights is currently researching and testing small wind power systems to assist with your home's electric energy needs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and where we are in our research.

At this time solar electric cells, or photovoltaic systems for residential use remain quite expensive. Until the cell technology improves and the initial costs drop, we do not see these as a viable alternative for residential electric systems. The best solution at this time appears to be wind generators, and this is where we are concentrting now.

The best we can hope for right now, for primary residential use, is providing supplemental power to augment grid power. Larger systems are still too costly and the payback period too long, for now. Naturally, if you are interested in really limiting your power use far below the standard, we may be able to design a system for a truly off-grid home.

This is an offshoot of our ongoing research with small scale wind electric systems and off-grid homes. To really cut the ties with the electric grid, or even just for standy use in the event of a power failure, batteries are needed.

The problem is the old lead-acid battery. All lead-acid batteries, in particular cheaply made units, have a finite lifespan and diminishing re-charge capability. We do not believe the answer is units made overseas, where environmental concerns are often not addressed. We need to look at better made units, plus upcoming technology for the answer.

We now have affiliations with a superb battery manufacturer, right here in Pennsylvania, that not only provides industrial quality batteries, but also reclaims both acid and lead from old units. Through our affiliations we also provide recycling of your old lead-acid batteries (provided they are not leaking), rechargeable batteries (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion) or used cell phones! Contact us today to see how to take advantage of this service!

We strongly feel that we can not begin to offer wind power systems without a closed-loop recycling effort in place. This is simply the first step in our wind program and illustrates our commitment to earth-friendly practices.

Right here! After working with foam sealants for 30 years now, we have decided to begin offering the products and tools to you. These are not those little frustrating "straw" foam cans you see at the home center or lumber yard, but rather high quality foam and application tools.

We can also offer advice on what product to use, where to use them and how to use them. See our Foam Sealant page for more information.

Take a look at our Hurd Parts & Service page for links to installation requirements and suggestions. It probably will not be long before window manufacturers require that installers be properly trained in these techniques. Until that time, it is good practice to follow all the manufacturers instructions.

Hurd's installation instructions are derived from the AAMA's InstallationMasters program. At this time Timberworks can offer you ADVICE on following these guidelines. Once we complete our certification we will also be able to offer instruction to you and your employees on these techniques.

In the meanwhile, we are beginning to offer for sale the same window & door flashing products we use on our own installations. Please see our Flashing page for the selection and pricing.

Timberworks Housewrights can not only calculate and design your HRV/ERV system, we can also supply the ventilator, exhaust hoods and controls. Get in touch with Timberworks and your design specifications and we can put a package together for you.

No! Building environment tests have shown that standard 4 mil polyethylene sheeting rapidly degrades. 6 mil only fares slightly better. We now sell the same cross-laminated vapor retarder that we use in our own projects. We also provide the seam sealants and tapes to complete the installation. We can help with your air sealing and barrier installations!

Let me think...how about right here?! Timberworks can take virtually any line art you come up with and design a fire screen that is personalized to you and your home. Please see our Fire Screen page for ordering information and options.

Take a look at our Tools We Use page! If it is a tool that we really like, one we have used and abused in the real construction environment, and one that keeps coming back for more - we will be featuring them here. We will not offer any tool that we have not intensely tested. If you expect as much from your tools as we do, check it out!