Technical brochures, literature (currently only in German)

The bottom rail detail as a transition between the house and the outdoor area is an essential basis for the successful building process and a long working life of the building, especially for timber frame constructions. To prevent timber decay, a durable moisture protection and constructional measures are absolutely necessary.

This guideline defines practically and functionally reliable details for the bottom rail in timber frame constructions. It covers the phases of planning, prefabrication and construction site, includes drawings and written explanations.

In the area of ​​the bottom rail, there is usually a lot of subcontracted work.
Therefore it is important to pay special attention to a good coordination between all the companies which also requires a well thought-out planning. The aim is to raise the awareness of all participants involved, and to present solutions for planners, tenderers and contractors. The recommendations are intended to support them. Responsible thinking and acting remains the top priority. The details are exemplary solutions, adaptations to the specific project are possible.

When installing exterior window sills, it is important to pay special attention to a good coordination between all the companies (window sill installation, window installation, facade manufacturers, plumbing work, sun protection technology). If we ignore this in construction practice, unexpected problems can occur.

The guideline offers solutions, recommendations and basic conditions for planners, tenderers and contractors, for new construction as well as refurbishment (no matter if solid construction or timber frame construction). In addition, a distinction is made between two installation methods. On the one hand the installation of the window sill on the construction site and, on the other hand, the installation of the window sill during prefabrication in the factory. In the materials of the exterior window sills a distinction is made between metal, natural stone and artificial stone.

Especially because of the large number of participants involved, a well thought-out planning and good coordination between all the companies is required. For example: It is necessary to plan and coordinate the installation of the window sill, the entire window, the connections between the Exterior Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) to the windows and the sunshade. Ensuring a smooth flow should be one of the most important aspects of the planner.

The guideline for the installation of window sills in ETICS and plaster facades was drafted by the Austrian Association of Window Sills (ARGE Fensterbank, info@arge-fensterbank.at).

In recent decades frequent floods have caused not only unimaginable human catastrophe for the population, but also building material damage caused by flooding and increased surface water. In the affected areas many buildings (including timber frame constructions) were damaged. While the basic structures usually remains intact, individual building components, facilities and stored objects are devastated or even largely destroyed by the invading mud and water.

In that case the water within the timber frame construction have to be removed fast. The experience of recent years has shown that draining and refurbishment is possible very quickly. At the same time, the building can become habitable again. Therefore a few important aspects have to be taken into account.

This helpful code of practise can facilitat the refurbishment of timber frame constructions and prefabricated houses (maximum two floors); it however cannot act as a substitute for a knowledgeable designer and the technical expertise of an experienced builder. For larger buildings (such as multi-story timber frame construction), an expert and structural engineer must always be consulted.