We build strictly according to SANS 10082 specifications for timber framing and National Building Regulations.
Structure
After building the structure using grade 5 SABS timber, we cross brace the structure ensuring structural integrity. We then clad the frame with NUTEC boards of 9mm thick. These boards are then plastered with plaster skim (a patented mix of silica and bonding compound) providing an excellent surface to ensure paint adhesion and durability. Special attention is paid to ensure that the exterior finish of the loft is matched to that of the existing structure /home.
The timber frame may be cladded with half-round timber logs, fibre cement shiplap boards or other veneers. The cladding is then painted with superior quality external paint to match the existing building.
Insulation
Insulating the new structure is critical; we make use of high quality 75mm Isotherm or silver Isotherm in all wall cavities and above ceilings. This ensures that internal temperatures remain constant and allows for good sound insulation. In fact a loft room built to according to our standards, have far better thermal stability than conventional brick and mortar.
Roof
Just because we use timber framing, we are not limited to a certain roof covering. All roof coverings are suitable –these include cement tiles, Harvey tiles, corrugated or IBR sheeting –even slate is suitable. Usually we re-use the existing roof from the existing structure.
Internal Walls
Internal walls consist of 12.5mm Gypsum board, which is plastered and painted according to customer’s requirements. Wall tiles- as in bathrooms or kitchens - may be applied to the Gypsum board using a special adhesive.
Window Frames
Besides wood, they may be of steel, aluminum and PVC. Although more expensive, aluminum windows are recommended because of their superior sealing and no maintenance properties.
The Floor Base
The floor base is shutter ply –this provides an excellent surface on top, which laminates, carpets - even tiles may be installed. If your loft is built over a garage area, we install 12.5mm Gypsum Fire stop as standard in the garage ceiling– which provides at least ½ hour delay should there be a fire in the garage. We also install fireproof doors on internal staircases, which enter from the garage.
Staircases
Staircases may be of wood or steel. As a rule of thumb, all external staircases are constructed of steel and internal staircases of wood. The use of steel outside is because SA pine staircases are prone to rot when exposed to the extreme Freestate climate. An equivalent external staircase in a hard wood – e.g. Saligna is roughly twice the price to that of the steel staircase.
Deck balustrades may be also of wood or steel and the same rule applies for staircases, although we construct deck balustrades of high grade meranti wood.
Wiring and plumbing – we only make use of fully qualified electricians and plumbers.
Quality control
We test our materials before utilizing on site.
We have built excellent relations with our suppliers and we procure only from a handful of recognized suppliers in Bloemfontein and on the Reef.
Examples of how we ensure quality throughout:
- Solely use S5 structural timber bearing the SABS mark.
- Solely use 9mm cement cladding.
- Encourage the use of Dulux or Plascon paints for finishing.
- Solely use Woodoc or Plascon wood varnishes and or stains.
- Solely use 12.5 mm Gypsum Firestop in garage ceilings.
- Solely use NUTEC ceiling boards as specified.
- Solely use kiln dried Balau, Saligna or Meranti hard woods on decks.
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