Timber-Frame Buildings Come Under Fire
One of the many advantages of choosing a steel-framed building is the fact that it will be fire-resistant, unlike traditional timber-frame buildings which burn easily.
Now the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is calling for an urgent review of building regulations due to the rising numbers of fires in timber-framed properties.
Fire officers are becoming increasingly worried about timber-frame fires, which spread quickly and generate a huge amount of heat – meaning crews cannot get near to the building to extinguish the flames so have to rely on water from jets and aerial equipment.
One in four new homes in the UK are now timber-frame, and some people still choose to use this method of construction for agricultural uses instead of a steel-frame.
With the use of timber-frame so widespread, the CFOA is now calling for building regulations to be changed, particularly during the construction phase when timber-frames are most vulnerable.
Not only because of the ferocity of any fires, but because even when the buildings are finished fire protection measures can be breached even by simple DIY work or professional building work.
The timber-frame industry says it complies with all regulations, but now the Government says it will work with them to establish the risks.
So if you’re thinking of a new agricultural building, and weren’t sure whether to choose steel-framed or timber-framed, you should consider the points raised by the CFOA when making your decision.
