Starting the timber frame

This weekend was spent using the new Stanley Crossline 90 laser, preparing for the installation of the sole plate, and the wall boxes to frame the inside. Because the frame will be structural, it is a little more involved that simply cutting timber to size and fixing it.

In our case we are going to install nail plates at the junctions between the timbers, and attach the frames to the joists using framing anchors or truss clips, then fit resin anchors to tie the whole thing to the reinforced concrete slab.

On Saturday, Jaimin spent the morning spraying the inside for woodworm, as there is still residual wood in the bathroom lintels and in the walls from the old timber frame. Once it was sprayed he spent the afternoon arranging the layout of the new timber frame sole plate..

On Sunday, Simon reappeared on the project, but this time he was joined by the whole family - Emma included! It was nice for Jaimin to have some company, and help. It turned out to be a productive day but highlighted the inexperience of all of us, taking us lots of time and discussion to do things which are a tradesman's bread and butter. We all learned a lot though.

Here are a few photos of the progress we made. Basically we confirmed the rectangle using the laser, cut all the sole plate timbers and bottom rail timbers and marked out the stud (upright) positions.

Laying out the sole plate & bottom rail. (10 points if you can spot the laser).

Builders bum, marking out studs

We could then start on constructing one frame (the SE side). We laid it out, having cut all the timber, screwed it together, raised it to check for fit, made some adjustments, checked again, (repeat x 2), then nailed in the nail plates, fitted Tyvek Housewrap with staples, and raised it in to place. We didn't make the short "jack studs" that will hold up the window sill because we haven't actually worked out how tall they need to be. Another unknown...

Edmundson's in action!

Big moment - first frame in place

The Tyvek is a membrane to shed water that ingresses through the granite, and it provides a backing or holder for the insulation, to prevent it falling out of the frame on to the granite.

Once darkness fell and Emma needed to go home, Jaimin stayed back and using his new LED site lights managed to construct one more wall box and even raise it in to place to check for fit. It needs to come down and have the nail plate/Tyvel treatment before being fixed permanently.

Second frame - SW wall.