Wooden houses are becoming increasingly popular among private developers. The leading position among them is occupied by houses made of timber.
Structures made of timber. Problems due to shrinkage
This lumber is manufactured and has all its inherent properties. For example, natural humidity. Over time, a house built from timber dries out and shrinks.
It may not be visible visually, but it affects the structure of the log house. Negative influence Necessarily. And if timely measures are not taken, it can cause distortions in the openings intended for the installation of windows and door blocks.
Shrinkage amount timber house is variable and depends on a significant number of factors external character. The greatest influence on this indicator is exerted by:
- The type of wood from which the timber is made and the degree of its moisture content;
- Type of timber (planed, profiled);
- Season of construction work;
- The technology used for constructing the log house.
Royka - structural element protecting the house from deformation
The craftsmen of the Wood-Bruce company are well aware of how wood behaves in construction. Therefore, we offer the customer two options for solving the problem:
- Use timber for construction that has previously been kiln dried;
- Install doors and windows using a sawmill.
This is the name of a block with a cross section of 50*50, made of dry wood. Its length is 50-120 mm less than the height of the opening into which the swarm is mounted. Royka successfully and effectively solves the problem of possible deformation of openings. If this product is not installed, then the following picture occurs: after a certain time, the drying timber, due to changes in its own dimensions, can deform the door frame or window unit. To prevent such a development of events, swarms are installed.
Therefore, we do not build a single house made of profiled timber with natural humidity without using a special technology for installing windows and door blocks, which allows us to minimize the negative impact of shrinkage and preserve the geometry of the openings and the entire building as a whole.
Making a swarm
The “correct” swarm requires correct production. To do this, the following requirements must be taken into account:
- Its production requires high-quality raw material, kiln-dried hardwood. Make it from lumber natural humidity not advisable. An exception may be when the cutting is made from a material corresponding to the one from which the wall profiled timber is made (from scraps of this timber). In this case, their compatibility is guaranteed;
- The cross-section of the product determines the width of the cut that will need to be made to install it. The length of the cutting is 50-120 mm less than the height of the cut (usually it is taken equal to the height of the block that will be installed in this opening). This difference, left on top, ensures free shrinkage of the structure. And the stop formed by the swarm eliminates the curvature of the free ends of the beam;
- The sawmill is placed strictly along the central axis of the sawing performed at the ends of the timber from which the walls are laid.
Installation sequence
The algorithm for installing the swarm is as follows.
1. Holes are cut in the wall for the subsequent installation of window and/or door blocks. The walls of the opening are processed.
2. In the inner part of the opening, on its side walls, a longitudinal cut is made strictly in the center, which is an even groove processed from the inside (cleaning). Its depth is set by the cross-section of the mortar, and its length exceeds the same size of the installation product by 5 - 12 cm.
3. The swivels are installed in the cuts prepared for them with some effort (tightly). At the same time, their Bottom part lowers to the base of the prepared opening.
4. After this, windows and door blocks are installed.
Please note that after installing them between the upper edge of the opening and top part block remains free space 40-60 mm, designed to compensate for the shrinkage of the log house. It is filled with insulation and sewn up with platbands.
The latter cover the space left for future shrinkage. The cash is most likely partially deformed during the shrinkage process. However, this drawback is easily eliminated. It is enough to remove it and file it a little. It is strictly forbidden to use foam to treat this space. Since this can become an obstacle to the normal subsidence of the timber.
Swarms are not only reliable protection from deformation for door and window designs. They also prevent the beam itself (its free end) from twisting. Therefore, the technology of tenoning (installation of a mortar) is a mandatory element in the construction of any building made of profiled timber with natural moisture.
What is a swarm, casing or okosyachka in wooden house? What are they for and what is better to choose for your home? Let's look at the topic in our construction blog. Let's divide the topic into easy-to-read and understandable points:
What is a swarm, casing or socket and where are they used?
Royka- a block installed in a pre-prepared groove in a window, door or arched doorway Your his wooden house. The swarm should secure the opening from the possible negative consequences of shrinkage.
Pit or casing- a product made from solid or laminated veneer lumber, differs from a slab in its shape and rigidity; if a slab is an ordinary block, then a socket is a casing made of solid timber, T-shaped or U-shaped. A T-shaped jamb is installed in a groove, a U-shaped one is installed on a groove, we usually use T-shaped jambs. Periodically, the frame is made from a block and a board, fastening the product with a nail joint or self-tapping screws, but we do not recommend this option. In window and door openings, frames or casings are usually installed on 3 sides (sides and top); installation in arched openings without an upper lintel is possible.
What are swarms, pods or casings needed for?
A frame, casing or frame is designed for rigid fixation of a window, door or arched opening in a wooden house. Installing windows or doors in an opening without a frame or casing is possible only at your own peril and risk and entirely under your responsibility - the opening can lead in two planes and you will spend more time and money on correcting errors than on installing a frame or casing in advance.
Where to stop? What is better to install in a wooden opening?
In our construction segment, almost all companies, without exception, make digging using 50x50 mm bars. or 40x40 mm.. We also offer customers a choice of regular jambs made of timber or a massive jamb made of timber 100x150 mm. or 150x150 mm.. But the block is not always able to withstand the internal stress in the wood, resist shrinkage and compensate for possible warping of a door or window opening. We recommend, first of all, to use massive frames and casings made of T-shaped or U-shaped timber. The casing must be made precisely according to the size of the groove; jute or a modern analogue must be installed between the casing and the opening. Also, do not forget to leave a gap between the casing and the opening on top, the opening even in a house of their material chamber drying can shrink by 7-10 cm depending on the number of crowns and their humidity. Another plus on the casing topic- you can easily insert a window or door into the casing and foam the gaps around it, and in the case of a swarm you will have to fence the garden with a stacked casing, which will not add rigidity and you will have an additional cold fistula between the block and the post, despite the jute between them , with a cast casing you close the opening from any blowing from the street!
Is it possible not to install swarms or casing in the openings?
Swarms and casings can only be omitted in two cases:
- First under your responsibility with your full understanding of the consequences.
- Second - you chose frame house for construction on your estate, no shrinkage, no fees for swarming and other joys are guaranteed to you. If you are still thinking about whether it is better to choose a frame house or a cottage made of timber, read interesting thoughts on this subject:.
The photos in this article are taken from, if you are planning to build a house from profiled timber, look at the detailed report, we have prepared for you 35 detailed photographs telling about the construction from start to finish.
A house made of timber, according to the customer, should by default be incredibly warm and cozy. A knowledgeable person understands that this still requires effort. They know this firsthand experienced builders, professionals in their field. What should be done to make a house made of timber really warm? Let's talk about this and what dangers may await good, naive customers on the way to the dream of a country, cozy home.
Warm corner: significance, technology and tricks of builders
A warm corner is a method of fastening beams during the construction of a wooden house. Its advantages:
- Eliminates the possibility of cracks appearing;
- Does not blow and lets cold into the room;
- Easy to perform and takes no more time than other methods.
In addition to this method, they also practice “butt-to-butt”, half-tree and dovetail. In terms of advantages, the warm corner wins in all respects and any normal customer will choose it for their home. And now the fun begins. No, resourceful builders will not dissuade you from this choice. They will do better (for themselves) - they will give you a tidy sum. But what if you want to make your house truly warm? Refuse such well-wishers! Conscientious builders They will never charge you extra for this - this is already their job and you will definitely have time to pay for it. True, in fairness and unnecessary overpayments.
Nageli: making the house even stronger
Pins are special pins that make the timber “sit in place” even after shrinking. What is the principle of working with dowels? In order for the result of their use to be positive, you need to adhere to the order - the pins are installed perpendicularly every two crowns, drilling holes in the beam in advance. That is, they laid it down, secured it with dowels every 1.5 - 2 meters and again 2 crowns. The pins are made from wood, mostly hardwood. Some save money and use improvised means instead of ready-made dowels: fittings, pipes or rolled metal. It is undesirable to allow this to happen - it is impossible to predict the consequences 100%.
Today you can often hear that dowels are an outdated technology and completely irrelevant. But the fact remains that this method of connecting logs or beams remains the most reliable. Moreover, it is time-tested.
Royki: we work with window and door openings
Another important stage in construction is working with swarms. Usually these are bars measuring 50x50 mm. A groove is cut in the wall, namely, in the opening. This is where the swarms are inserted. They will help maintain the stability of the wall. In order for the shrinkage process, even with swarms, to proceed without consequences, it is imperative to leave about 2 centimeters above the block. window opening, and 5 – in the door. This space is enough for the bars to fall into place. If you do not leave space, one of the logs or beams will hang and thereby cause a gap to appear. Which one warm house what if there are gaps in it?
But this technology should not be neglected. If the brackets are not installed, deformation of the wall at the opening is inevitable.
Builders' mistakes: real and possible
In order not to learn from your mistakes and the mistakes that will be made during the construction of your house, look at others. Quite a real picture: they installed it in the window opening wooden block as a swarm. Shrinkage occurred, and the wall curved and became convex. What's wrong? The fact is that the wooden frame collapsed and simply stopped fulfilling its purpose - to strengthen the opening. To avoid such an unpleasant situation, give preference to metal shanks. It is especially important to use them when strengthening doorways - the load there is much greater.
It could also be this: greedy workers offer you to install swarms for a certain amount. Of course, out of ignorance, you will refuse. Why pay extra money? After all, “it will stand fine as it is.” This is absolutely not allowed! Maybe nothing will happen to the walls in the first year. But a house is not built for a year, not for 5, or even for 10 years! Think about the future and play it safe - install swarms. Not for separate fee. Now we'll tell you why.
Forewarned is forearmed
Be careful with offers to make high-quality beams for money or for a “symbolic” fee to use not a “dovetail” or “butt-to-butt” when laying beams, but a “warm corner”. This work is done by default and you don’t have to pay for it!
Conscientious and responsible builders from serious companies that value their name will do everything in at its best. You won't even hear questions about whether you need swarms or a warm corner - they will simply do it. Of course, there are cases when customers themselves refuse to strengthen window and door openings. Construction company has the right to issue a receipt where the customer indicates that he refuses this work. Thus, the developer relieves himself of responsibility for further consequences, and the future owner of the house risks encountering problematic shrinkage of the timber.
And your home will be cozy, strong and durable, because now you know exactly what dowels, sockets are needed for and what a “warm corner” is.
The fact is that houses made of profiled timber- this is a modern, reliable and profitable way of building housing, today no one doubts it. It is not surprising that houses, baths and outbuildings from this material to last years can be found everywhere. List the benefits timber houses can be indefinitely long. However, in this article we set out to tell you about one drawback of wooden (including timber) buildings and ways to neutralize this drawback. We will talk about the natural moisture content of wood and the problems associated with it.
Houses made of timber: the essence of the problem
As you know, wood is natural material, which was once a living organism. Like all living things, wood contains moisture. Over time, some of this moisture evaporates from the wood, and the wood begins to dry out and crack.
This may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but nevertheless affects general design timber house, causing deformation of window and door openings.
Shrinkage rate houses made of profiled timber may depend on many factors.
First of all, this is the level of humidity and variety wooden material for construction, type of wood, time of year and construction technology.
Typically, shrinkage occurs most intensively in the first three to four months after completion of construction.
Royki: protection of timber houses from deformation and shrinkage
In order to neutralize the negative impact on your timber house problem described above, two complementary methods are used:
- To build a house, they use profiled timber that has undergone additional industrial drying. The percentage of humidity in such timber is no more than 20. As a result, there is less shrinkage and shrinkage of the finished house.
- Used when installing doors and windows swarms.
If everything is clear with a decrease in the moisture content of the material, then what is swarms for wooden houses, We invite you to talk in more detail.
Saw for a wooden house- This is a special block of wood with a square cross-section. This block (frame) is inserted into the prepared groove at the end of the window or doorway.
Royki help to effectively solve the problem of deformation of window and door openings. If we simply cut an opening in the wall from a beam, and then install a window or door in it, then, after some time, the drying wood will make your opening too large, and the door frame or window frame they will simply fall out of it. To avoid such a development of events, between the frame or door frame install swarms, reducing Negative consequences drying and subsidence of wood to a minimum.
How swarms are installed
When installing mortars for timber houses, Typically, the following actions are performed:
- An opening is cut out in the wall of the house for a door or window, and it is finished.
- A longitudinal cut is made in the end part of the resulting opening. The depth of cut should correspond to the height of the saw, and the length should be 6-12 cm longer than the length of the used digging for timber houses. This will give space for shrinkage gap.
- After that mortars for wooden houses are installed in the prepared cuts, and door or window frames are already attached to them. A gap (about 5 cm wide) is also left between the ends of the frame and the frames of windows or doors. This gap is then filled with special insulation, which is also necessary for safe shrinkage of the house.
Thus, by applying all the above technologies in practice, we achieve the absence of timber houses defects associated with shrinkage and drying out of such a valuable natural building material like wood!
Construction from timber - combination latest technologies and ancient traditions. Often, not all terms are clear to the average person, which is why the proposals of the development company are unclear, especially when they require a separate fee.
One of these incomprehensible moments - construction of window and door openings.
When ordering the construction of a wooden house, you should find out in advance what casing is, whether it is needed and, if necessary, whether it is worth paying extra for it.
What are swarms and what do they look like?
Royki(otherwise known as casing bars) – vertical elements necessary to maintain the geometry of the walls in the area of window and door openings.
At first glance, it is not clear how such simple detail can be so important, because the opening of the opening looks like an ordinary rectangular block, more often square section. But the need to install casing is high, especially in a house that is built from timber with natural moisture.
Mounting swarms window openings, cutting out a groove for them in the end part of the beams. It is worth knowing that the length of the casing should be 6-12 centimeters less than the height of the opening. During shrinkage, the top beam and those underneath will sink. The swivel moves freely along the groove prepared for it, without changing its position relative to the vertical and reliably holding the position of the log beams in the opening.
In what cases are swarms necessary?
Any house built for permanent residence, requires strict adherence to technology, and swarms are provided for in it.
But their installation is especially important in the following cases:
- timber construction high degree humidity;
- complex design walls with a large number of openings, their large-scale dimensions;
- if you plan to install PVC window and door blocks (in this case, the casing has a special design).
The only case when you can do without a casing is when building a house or bathhouse from laminated veneer lumber with large sections. But this material itself is not cheap and there is no point in saving on installing swarms.
Roofs are the key to straight walls in your home
First, pay attention to the warranty obligations and clauses of the contract with the developer. Usually there is a guarantee for integrity wall structures. If this is the case, do not listen to the visiting workers who propose to improve the structure with the help of casing bars, otherwise, they say, “the walls will lead.”
In case of such an attempt at extortion, call the head office of the company from which you ordered the construction of a house or bathhouse. Please inform that if you change the geometry of the walls, you will apply for warranty service, and the developer will be obliged to eliminate the defects. This method is only suitable if the contract actually stipulates responsibility for the integrity of the structure.
Do I need to overpay for installing casing in log house openings?
This is a controversial issue. A conscientious development company includes the cost of construction in advance in the price of building a house, because they are necessary. More “savvy” scammers offer construction at a reduced price, putting forward their proposals for the installation of swarms and other, supposedly additional, services already on site after the future owner of the house has entered into an agreement with them. In this way, they easily find those who want to save money, and later still receive money for installing casing bars and other operations required for high-quality construction.
Decide for yourself whether you want to order the construction of a house from a company where everything is transparent or whether you are trying to save money (often ending up overpaying). What if you have already signed an agreement and only now realize that you are dealing with the above-described swindlers?
To save the situation, do the following:
- carefully read the contract again, check the warranty period;
- make it clear to the builders that you are not one of those who will let things go “on the brakes” if any shortcomings arise;
- if the contract contains a clause on liability for the integrity of the structure, discuss this with the foreman, foreman or other managerial person and explain that in the event of deformation of the walls you will demand correction of the defect under warranty.
These three simple steps will help you show that you are “not a bad person” and will not allow your rights to be violated.
If there is no responsibility for maintaining the geometry of the log house during operation and the warranty period, you have no choice but to pay extra for the installation of the frames. If construction has not yet begun, refuse the services of such contractors.