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Can we make a well insulated timber frame home?
Jeremy Sewall
Feb. 18, 2021Updated: Feb. 18, 2021
We have Douglas fir on our property and would like to use them for a post and beam style home. But is it reasonable to also expect to have a well sealed and insulated wall with such a construction method?
There is no reason why a timber frame house can’t be as well insulated and airtight as a stick frame house. Depending on the wall assembly and method of insulating you choose, a timber frame house can sometimes be a bit of overkill in structure, particularly if you frame walls within it, then it can in a way become something of a simple decoration in a way. Here is our page on wall assemblies that may be a good starting place -
How to choose a wall system for home construction
A lot of times timber frames are insulated with SIPs (structural insulated panels), which can be fastened to the outside of the frame. A SIP wall would offer a seamless envelope of insulation, and if you tape the joints properly (see our page on how to do an air barrier properly) then it can also be airtight. The foam within the core of a SIP acts as the vapor barrier. You could also do it with Straw bales, and if it comes to it you can even stick frame between the posts in order to facilitate the insulation and wiring. What had you come up with to date as a wall assembly?