Modern methods of building timber wall frames are suitable for both medium-rise and low-rise buildings. You can now build multi-storey structures using timber frames, thanks to treatment technologies that ensure that the wood remains structurally sound over the years. Structurally sound timber wall frames are adequate for meeting the demands of vertical load paths imposed on them by the structure. Builders focus on this by assessing the general stiffness and strength of the timber frame members used to make the structure. The following piece dives deeper into the technical aspects of timber wall frames. 

The Popular Terms Used

Timber wall frame construction uses different technical terminologies to refer to various components of the structure. Some of the standard terms used in this case include:

Open panels — Open panels refer to timber wall frames consisting of rails, studs, sheaths and a breather membrane. The breather membrane creates an allowance for the framing expansion and relaxation as weather and temperatures change.

Closed panels — Closed panels refer to timber wall frames made up of rails, studs and insulation linings over the panel's faces. Usually, the builders will also install a vapour barrier and on the insulation's warm side and a breather membrane on the alternate side. The objective is to ensure that the timber wall framing is energy efficient and suitable for habitation during different weather.

Cross-laminated timber — Cross-laminated timber is a result of laminating small timber lengths dried in special kilns. These products form large panels suitable for making walls, roofs, floors and columns to reinforce timber structures.   

The Functions of Timber Walls Frames

Timber wall frames perform different functions on the overall structure. The top priority is for the builder is to make sure that the structure can stand up to its weight. They use wall studs, fitted as vertical timber members when framing, to carry the lateral and axial loads of the structures. These studs keep the structure from collapsing due to the pressure of the structure's materials. Secondly, the rails come in as connectors between the studs and make them a complete panel. Third, the framing has soleplates fixed to the sub-deck or foundation. They reinforce the structure's footing and act as the primary locating position for the wall frames.

Timber wall framing also features opening and cripple studs. Unlike the other types of studs, the opening and cripple studs transfer the horizontal and vertical loads around the wall panel opening. Their absence would mean that these openings form areas of weakness where the structure can collapse.