Benefits of Using TIMBER - by the TFBA
Timber buildings are carbon sinks. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide while they grow. The carbon dioxide is thus stored in the sawn timber for the life span of the building.
Timber buildings require much lower processing energy. Carbon dioxide emissions from the processing and manufacture of construction materials other than timber (brick, aluminium, steel and concrete), can be as much as 80% or higher. It follows then that if greater use is made of wood in buildings, the low fossil fuel requirement for manufacturing sawn timber compared with other materials is far more substantial in the long term than the carbon stored in the wood building products.
Timber buildings are extremely energy efficient. The hollow wall cavities, ceilings and even sub floor spaces are heavily insulated resulting in decreased fossil fuel heating needs (lower electricity bills!)
Timber buildings are warm in winter and cool in summer. Their thermal efficiency is as much as 6 to 8 times greater than that of masonry construction.
Timber buildings are environmentally friendly and therefore ideally suited to mountain-side plots, and eco-sensitive areas – resulting in very little disturbance to the existing vegetation as well as minimizing site excavation and costly access with heavier materials.
Timber buildings are well suited to unstable soil conditions such as clay or dune sand.
Timber buildings are light weight but very strong and durable.
Inaccessible plots pose few problems for timber buildings.
Timber buildings can be erected and completed in a third of the time it takes to build the same structure in brick and mortar.
Timber buildings are far easier, cleaner and faster to alter and extend – also a factor when considering the convenience of the area in which the existing building is situated.
Timber buildings provide an endless choice of finishes from interior linings to exterior cladding.
Timber buildings pose no greater risk of fire than any other form of construction. Many of the materials used in the construction have fire ratings of up to 2 hours and vastly improve the building’s fire resistance.
Choosing a timber building shows that you care about the environment and our planet!
TFBA's benifits to client:
The TFBA's maxim "The Seal of Controlled Quality" assures not only the financial institutions, but you too, that in contracting with a TFBA member, your investment is secure and will result in a well-built, structurally sound, very thermal efficient, comfortable and safe structure – one that conforms to SANS 10082 – the national standard for timber buildings.
You have the assurance that our Association is recognized as the industry's representative organisation, and are very proud of its 26-year untarnished construction track record.
You qualify for Timbersure – the TFBA's own insurance policy which was designed for timber buildings, built by TFBA builders. This policy offers extremely competitive premiums to clients, including Household and All Risks cover, and also provides Contract Works insurance – peace of mind while your home is under construction.
In general, your plans are passed by local authorities at a far quicker pace and your bond application is approved expeditiously when these organisations know that the builder is an approved TFBA member.
In the event of a dispute, you are assured of unbiased mediation, alleviating the need for costly legal intervention.
Having chosen a TFBA Builder, you will be assured of having made an informed and wise decision.
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS:
As a TFBA member, this is how you will benefit, because you will...
Have access to over 120 years of the best combined knowledge and expertise of the TFBA’s leadership
Receive updates regarding industry standards, products and improvements
Have access to unbiased dispute mediation service
Receive National and international exposure via the website
Qualify for Homeowner’s and Contract Works insurance, designed specifically for TFBA members and their clients
Receive recognition of outstanding workmanship in our highly publicized and very popular Annual Awards
Have the assurance of belonging to an Association that is nationally and internationally recognized as the industry’s representative body
Be part of an Organisation that has a collective and unified approach to timber construction
Participate in the enormous advantages of all promotional and marketing programmes undertaken by the TFBA – promoting YOUR livelihood.
Have access to the Association's pool of national enquiries
Receive and be featured in our bi-monthly newsletter 'Timber Frame Talk' which reaches the shores of Australia, New Zealand and England
Have access to the Association’s long-standing relationship with: All financial institutions
The South African National Standards Organization (formerly SABS)
The South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA)
The Institute of Timber Construction (ITC)
Arch Wood Protection (SA) (Pty) Limited
Sawmilling South Africa (SSA)
The National Home Builders Association (NHBRC)
Add Application Form to Witchrooms website
If your Contractor is not registered then he shouldn’t be working for you.
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