Durability

Timber which remains dry (ie at a moisture content of 20% or lower) is not at risk from decay. Properly designed and constructed timber frame buildings from Benfield ATT do not rely on preservative treatments for durability.

7th Century Timber-Frame Yumendo Hall, Japan

Timber Framing dates back more than 2000 years to some Japanese shrines that are still standing. Over 3000 Timber Frame structures still exist in England that were built between 400 and 1100 A.D. Many timber frame buildings have lasted centuries, and ones built today are expected to exceed 300 years or so.

The wall and its framework are designed so that the timber will maintain an equilibrium moisture content comfortably lower than that which could allow fungal growth. It is, however, common practice to treat structural components in the external wall and ground floor as insurance.