Moisture Management Guidance for Structural Timber Building

New guidance from the Structural Timber Association (STA) is now available to help architects and those in the construction supply chain avoid moisture-related defects during a structural timber building’s construction process and in-service life.

The guidance offers a systematic process based on the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, outlining where time and effort should be given to consider and mitigate the risk of defects that may come from moisture entrapment.

Implementation of the guidance will, without doubt, contribute to the successful risk management of a structural timber project for everyone involved, as the STA’s Andrew Orriss explains: “Our aim is to present a more formal and effective process for adoption across the industry to ensure that durability of structural timber buildings fulfils whole-life and sustainable objectives.

“No building or material is designed to last forever. But, potential defects can be a result of how a building was designed and constructed and how, or if it has been maintained. We recommend a moisture management strategy be implemented for all buildings.

“The point of this guidance is to outline a process that places the question of ‘what if?’ from the outset of a building’s design through its construction and beyond, so all stakeholders are aware of their responsibility.”

Drawing on the collective and wide expertise of the STA Steering Group, the  guidance provides the industry with additional knowledge and the benefit of the experience that is needed to connect the ideas of the design team with the outcomes of site installation.

It offers best practice advice that can be embedded into the construction process highlighting the opportunity to stop, look and act on designs – and also to be aware of warning signs during construction or in-service that indicate if moisture may be causing distress to the structure.

Members of the STA steering group collaborated on the guidance document, providing direction and peer reviewed: Innovare, KLH UK, BM TRADA, ITW, Milner Associates, STA, B&K Structures, Clancy, Scot Frame, Metsa Group and Engenuiti.