VIEWPOINT
SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS INSULATING TIMBER FRAME Matt Neary, sales director, Knauf Insulation
TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION is still considered non-standard in the UK, but with the government voicing support for this approach as a means of delivering homes more efficiently and sustainably, that may be about to change. When this change comes, stocking the right products, and understanding why they matter, will position you as the supplier of choice for timber frame builds. To achieve the best results in acoustic and energy performance, careful material choice is key. That includes making informed decisions around thermal and acoustic insulation that complement the benefits of timber frame construction.
Membranes matter Managing moisture correctly is fundamental in timber frame construction. Stocking both breather membranes and vapour control layers (VCLs) is essential. Breather membranes sit on the cold side of the construction, allowing moisture vapour to escape while protecting the frame from external moisture. VCLs are installed on the warm side to regulate moisture movement from inside the building. Each layer plays a vital role in reducing condensation risk and safeguarding structural integrity. Timber frame systems also require insulation materials compatible with the moisture strategy of the build. Rigid PIR boards, for example, are typically vapour-closed, while materials such as mineral wool allow vapour to pass through them. Merchants should consider offering a range that supports both approaches, ensuring customers can select the right insulation for the application. Timber frame walls are more thermally efficient per thickness than masonry walls but it’s still crucial for your customers to
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close the gap between expected and actual thermal performance. There are many ways to approach timber frame wall construction, so be ready to recommend the right material for the application. Rigid boards for example, can be challenging to install correctly in between studs, requiring precise cuts and taping to avoid airgaps that compromise thermal performance. However, laminate PIR plasterboards can be useful as the final internal layer if space is limited and additional thermal efficiency is needed.
Glass mineral wool is suitable for use between the studs due to the ease of handling and its flexibility. Products such as FrameTherm Roll 32 are easy to cut to size and their flexibility makes it easier to get a snug fit between studs. This flexibility also means glass mineral wool will adapt to any minor imperfections in the substrate, minimising air gaps and maximising thermal performance.
The sound of silence Acoustic insulation can be a boon to occupant comfort and health. Timber frame walls require extra attention in this respect due to their lower mass compared with traditional masonry walls. The common assumption is that rock mineral wool is the best material for this purpose, but that’s not always the case. Glass mineral wool delivers similar acoustic performance and is more suitable in some applications. Acoustic insulation such as mineral wool adds mass to the build-up and, most crucially, absorption. It typically has an ‘open structure’, meaning that sound can pass through it. Sound loses energy as it passes through the open structure due to friction, effectively dampening sound.
Embodied carbon One of the primary reasons customers choose timber frame is its lower embodied carbon compared to traditional masonry construction. This approach can reduce embodied carbon emissions by 20% in a single home and by as much as 60% for larger concrete buildings. Pairing timber structures with low- carbon insulation compounds the environmental benefits. Glass mineral wool has the lowest levels of embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material in the UK. For projects where sustainability and whole- life carbon are priorities, it is an ideal complement to timber frame walls.
This trend reflects a broader industry shift toward low-carbon material choices, and merchants with suitable stock are well
Above: Timber construction is widely recognised for its low embodied carbon
Left: Timber frame construction is particularly suited to offsite manufacturing
placed to support customers working on environmentally focused developments.
Merchant of choice The continued rise of timber frame construction marks a significant market opportunity. Merchants who proactively align their stock with the needs of timber frame builders can differentiate themselves through expertise, reliability and breadth of offering. Contractors increasingly want simplicity: one supplier who can provide not only the core insulation products, but membranes, cavity barriers, tapes, fixings and tools. Combined with knowledgeable staff and the ability to guide customers toward the right solution, this makes your branch a trusted partner in delivering high-performing timber frame homes. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2026
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