Timberframe Post Spacing

[Jason Laws]

I am in the process of estimating a job on a timber frame built in the 1800's. The customers want me replace all of the cedar shingles on the front, new windows, add sheathing, and add insulation. At this point, nothing really structural is going to be done. Timber frames are not normal for me to work on at all.

So, my question is this: Should I expect any consistency with post spacing? With adding insulation and sheathing, and not having access to the frame itself, what should I expect, maybe the unexpected? I figure I may have to add studs to make the sheathing work out, but I was just hoping maybe 4' O.C. was normal.

[sbebuilders]

Jason,

I thinking more like 8' to 16' on center for the post. Aren't the rafters expose on the inside of the house? Then with purlins in between the rafters?

Sim

[Jason Laws]

Jason,

I thinking more like 8' to 16' on center for the post. Aren't the rafters expose on the inside of the house? Then with purlins in between the rafters?

Sim

Sim, thanks for your thoughts. I think that I have been focusing too much on the outside without looking inside, as much. This house doesn't have as much exposed framing as some do, because it gets pounded by the north wind. So, much drywall inside - kind of inconsistent what is covered and where. I should check upstairs, where some of the rafters are exposed. In timer framing, do the rafters usually sit right over the post or is it more like modern framing - 16" O.C. walls, 24" O.C. trusses / rafters, for example?

Again, I just want to prepare myself for what I will find......if I get the job.

[JayNos]

Jason,
Not sure if you have access to a thermal camera, but that would let you see what the framing situation is.

[Jason Laws]

Jason,
Not sure if you have access to a thermal camera, but that would let you see what the framing situation is.

That is a really great idea.....but I don't have a thermal camera. That is on my I-wish-I-had- that list.

I ended up getting the job, so it should be interesting. This wall hasn't been opened up since it was built, so who knows what I will find lurking in the walls.....