The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) is offering guidance to householders whose properties may be affected by flooding.

A press release has been sent to property journalists and consumer press nationwide in which UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley recommends two independent websites for practical and unbiased advice.

The Construction Industry Research and Information Association website at www.ciria.org.uk/flooding and the Department of the Environment Floodline at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline both offer information on limiting flood damage, contacts in the event of flooding, seeking professional advice, financial implications and advice, and putting repairs in place once damage has occurred.

Pressing the case for timber frame construction Mr Woodley says it can offer some advantages to flood-stricken householders – not least that as it can dry out more quickly the process of repair and redecoration can start sooner.

&#8220From the samples of houses inspected the timber frame work which had been fully exposed seemed to be drying out quicker than the fair faced brick and block work when subjected to drying from dehumidifiers.”

Brighton chartered building surveyors Lambor Associates.

And he said: “Following flood damage in East Sussex two years ago, research carried out by frameCHECK, the independent timber frame assessment service offered by TRADA, reported: ‘At the time of assessment the timber frame elements had been air drying for two or three weeks with dehumidifiers in use at times. Most timber frame elements were below 20% moisture content, therefore the positive action of reconstruction was able to start’.”

Those findings were backed by a chartered building surveyor of Lambor Associates, Brighton who said: “From the samples of houses inspected… the timber frame work which had been fully exposed seemed to be drying out quicker than the fair faced brick and block work when subjected to drying from dehumidifiers.”