youWhile researching for your Bespoke project, you may ask: How long do Oak Framed Buildings last?
If constructed and maintained properly an Oak Framed Structure can last in excess of two hundred years.
There are many historic buildings in Britain and all over Europe even older than this.
Anyone who has witnessed a fully grown mature Oak tree will agree it is a magnificent sight. Without the natural strength of the wood itself they could never grow to such a prodigious size. They would collapse under their own weight long before maturity.
Early builders recognised this and Oak became a favoured building material. Along with the sheer size and quantity of timber obtained from one tree, it was perfect for even the largest structures.
Sources of Damage to Oak Framed Buildings
Oak, especially when aged and seasoned, is extremely resistant to the elements. There are other factors that can cause damage and shorten the lifespan of the structure.
Fire
Oak is susceptible to fire and will burn. However, it does have an extremely slow and consistent burn rate.
Also, as the outer layer burns it turns into charcoal which then forms an insulating layer. This protects the interior from further combustion and weakening.
If caught in time, the damage will be far less substantial than with other types of timber. While steel frames do not burn, at high temperature they will soften and melt. This can lead to a sudden and catastrophic collapse.
Moisture
The natural water resistance of Oak is well known. If it is contact with high levels of moisture for sustained periods it can still be affected.
Bathrooms and kitchens, which will naturally produce moisture should be adequately ventilated. This will prevent condensation that can lead to water absorption and rot.
In outbuildings, it should be ensured that any points of contact between the frame and ground are properly waterproofed. This will prevent standing water on the ground surface damaging the base of the frame. In particularly damp environments, it may be worth using Air Dried Oak for its superior water resistance.
Pests
As Oak is highly resistant to insect infestation, fungal infections are the greatest threat.
If the moisture content of the wood rises above 20%, it can become susceptible to dry rot or cellar fungus. These can weaken the timber to the point where replacement is the only solution. Even if dried out, the timber can be softened enough to allow pests such as Death Watch Beetle to burrow in. these will then feed on the softened wood, weakening it further.
Construction Oversights That Can Damage Oak Frames
Different styles of Oak Framed Buildings each have their own potential weak points than can affect structural integrity.
There is a common misconception that the natural shrinkage of Green Oak will weaken the structure over time.
In fact, as the Green Oak Frame contracts, it will tighten around the seasoned pegs at the joints. As the pegs do not shrink, this forms an extremely strong joint that will not move.
Infill design
This traditional design now uses modern insulation panels to fill the gaps between the frame. Although these are more flexible than traditional materials, as the frame shrinks, gaps can appear.
This will not weaken the frame itself but can allow water to penetrate and cause damage.
Outbuildings
As noted above any points of contact with the floor should be designed to prevent standing water affecting the timber.
Often this is as simple as using steel base plates as a barrier between support posts and the floor. Any outbuildings that are open to the elements should not have areas where water can pool in contact with the frame.
Extensions
When extending timber framed houses, contact points between the extension and original structure must be properly waterproofed. If the extension is glazed or part brick this should also be a priority. If not, the resulting rot could spread from the extension to the main framework.
Should you have any questions on the durability of Oak, or what type is best for your project, contact us! Our team is always happy to help.