Pros and Cons of Hybrid Timber Homes Basically a hybrid timber frame home is one that utilizes timbers in combination with other conventional construction techniques. The biggest advantage with this type of home is the cost factor because it can save you a lot of money using this technique. It will still give you the look and feel of a timber frame home without the cost. In a hybrid timber frame home actual timber framing is only used in certain parts of the home and where timber framing is not used, the contractor will use a stick frame enclosure that is conventionally built. The stick frame enclosure provides the structure for the home where the timber frame is not used. Pros
They allow for a more flexible design because they can be shaped into almost any shape you want and need. For an open plan house, this is the type of frame you need. You can also leave exposed hybrid timber frame beams to give your home a unique look. These homes are also much quicker to build because with block and brick frames it can take many weeks because you have to wait for the plaster and mortar to dry. With hybrid timber frame homes they can be constructed within a matter of days. Hybrid timber frame homes can also be built in sub-zero temperatures unlike homes that have a block and brick frame. Block and brick frames are considered “wet construction” and if they freeze and expand it could cause the house to warp but not with hybrid timber frame homes. They can be built regardless of the weather or temperature. In the colder part of the world at least seventy percent of the homes are built out of timber. With hybrid timber frame homes you are dealing with just one company because the company designs, manufactures, ships, and builds your home. They can also supply the doors, roof structure, and windows so if there are any problems you are dealing with just one company, not two or three companies.
Cons
As with any wooden structure, hybrid timber framing does not survive a fire. When you build your home make sure that it is not in an area that is subjected to wildfires. It is also not naturally sound proof or energy efficient as a block and brick frame. It is very important that you fit insulation into the framing because if not, on its own it is not very energy efficient. A block and brick structure is better at retaining heat. Hybrid timber homes also do not block out sound as well either. A hybrid timber frame is prone to rot if they are built in a wet climate or poorly built so hire a reputable company.
This article is penned by Lora Davis for Arrow Timber Framing who are one of America's leading timber frame hybrid homes design and construction company. You get more options to design your personalized look and feel. You get more building solutions at your disposal. And you get to easily control where and how you allocate your investment. They use the best available post and beam construction methods.