Day: August 30, 2019

Timber Frame House Advantages: Why Timber Frames Are Economical, BeautifulTimber Frame House Advantages: Why Timber Frames Are Economical, Beautiful

People are exploring natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly home options more than ever before. The conventional stick frame house of today is typically built quickly and cheaply, with little regard to energy efficiency, durability, beauty, or ecological design. However, the timber frame house, with its long and proven history, is an excellent alternative to the typical house of modern times. Using large posts and beams with wood joinery and wood pegs (that means no screws, nails, or metal fasteners), they emphasize durability, strength, energy efficiency, and beautiful design.

Timber Frame Houses are Economical

A timber frame is naturally more economical than a stick frame house. There is less wood waste in the production of the necessary elements — large posts, beams, etc. Similarly, large posts and beams take greater advantage of the natural strength of a tree, as opposed to Timber Framed Houses Devon smaller dimensional limber. Not only that, but it is uncommon that large timbers are shipped over long distances due to their sheer size and weight — timber frame construction actually encourages (and nearly demands) the use of local resources.

Durability and Strength

Because timber framing uses large posts and beams, the wood members have a much longer life span than the 2x4s of a typical home — in fact, there are buildings that are hundreds of years old. Some say timber frames get stronger over time as the wood dries and hardens.

Additionally, they are more resistant to the effects of earthquakes, strong winds, and heavy snow loads, and have much lower rates of replacement. If that wasn’t enough, heavy timber construction is significantly more fire-resistant than other types of construction. The benefits are enjoyed by generations of families.

Eco-Friendly and Beautiful Design

Timber frame homes are much more conducive to implementing high levels of insulation, as they allow for much more uninterrupted space between vertical members to wrap or fill with various types of insulation, including straw bales, one of the favored natural insulation materials. On the other hand, stick frames have many vertical members spaced closely together that break up wall space and make it challenging to fill with insulative material, or worse, do not actually provide a full wrap of insulation. And of course, adequate insulation is one of the essentials keys to an energy efficient home.

Various Tree Stump Removal MethodsVarious Tree Stump Removal Methods

Felling trees is a relatively easy process; removing stumps is a different matter. Unlike felling which only involves cutting a tree, stump removal takes time and requires following set techniques to make the process simpler and faster to complete.

Most landowners would rather have stumps Tree Stump Grinding Hampshire because they take up precious space, preventing the construction or installation of structures. They’re also eyesores even if vegetation grows on them. The biggest problem, however, is that they’re hazardous and can cause injuries especially when hidden under foliage.

Most stump removal methods should be undertaken by professionals especially if equipment is used. Take a look at four common techniques.

Removing stumps by hand works only on small, old or rotting stumps. A chainsaw, digging bar, pick mattock, an axe, length of chain and a vehicle with four-wheel-drive are needed.

The use of improper tools will render the operation useless or half-done. Remember, the stump may not be alive but its roots still spread a good distance so it’s difficult to make it give. What has to be done, then, is to cut the major roots and the exposed ones with an axe or chainsaw. They can be pried using the pick mattock and the digging bar.

As the roots are pried, they loosen to make it easier to uproot. The chain is securely tied around the stump and connected to the vehicle which pulls it.

By grinding

Grinding is a popular removal technique but should not be attempted by amateurs. The equipment can be rented if hiring professional help is not desired.

Like the hand technique, the roots will have to be axed while stones and other obstacles are cleared. A chainsaw is used to cut the stump further to make grinding easier and less time-consuming.

The grinder will be difficult to use for amateurs so it’s a good idea to have someone from the rental company demonstrate the process. Professional workers charge between $100 and $200 to grind and haul the stump.

By burning

Burning is an inexpensive way to remove stumps and is a common technique applied in regions that don’t have access to stump grinders.

In this method, the stump isn’t simply lit. Holes are bored into it and filled with potassium nitrate. Water is poured into the holes to dissolve the chemical and scrap wood is placed on top of the stump before ignition.

Drilling holes and burning the inside of the stump ensures that the entire piece burns well. Remnants are cleared and vegetation allowed to grow over the area if construction or installation of structures is not immediately required.