TRADA has launched a serious of articles to uncover the truth about timber frame and fire.
The organisation says statistics produced by the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) rebuff many of the media claims about timber frame’s fire safety and show that timber frame dwellings are no more likely to cause fatal or non-fatal injuries than other forms of construction.
“The coverage of fire in timber frame building has been emotive and relentless,” said Rupert Scott, TRADA’s membership and marketing manager.
“The media has raised many issues, some legitimate, but others barely founded on fact.”
“It is important that the timber industry understands the facts clearly, to determine the real problems and their solutions.”
Mr Scott conceded that the issue of large timber frame construction projects being bit by fire needed to be addressed.
He said possible solutions included alternative phasing of construction tasks, so large areas of structural timber were not left exposed; use of closed panel construction; alternative material technologies which provide improved fire protection; and tight security during the critical build phase.
Dr Paul Newman, UK Timber Frame Association board and fire sub-committee member, commended TRADA for bringing a balanced and independent view to the debate.
To view the TRADA article in full visit www.trada.co.uk/news.
