Engineering insights for timber construction.
Technical articles, specification notes and project commentary from our in-house structural engineers and the wider Rothoblaas UK network.
Breather Membranes for Timber Frame: Choosing and Installing Them Right
A breather membrane is cheap to buy and easy to get wrong. What it does in a timber frame wall, how to choose the right vapour-open grade, and how to install it continuous and the right way round so the structure stay...
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Eurocode 5 Explained: How Timber Structures Are Designed in the UK
Every structural timber building in the UK is designed to Eurocode 5. A plain-English guide to what the code is, the strength and service...
Timber Connector Plates and Hold-Downs: Resisting Uplift and Overturning
Most timber connections carry load down; hold-downs and tensile plates stop the structure lifting or tipping over. What connector plates ...
Hidden Decking Fasteners: How to Build a Deck With No Visible Screws
A deck with no visible screws looks cleaner and lasts longer. How hidden decking fasteners work, the difference between concealed connect...
Timber Joist Hangers: How to Choose and Install the Right Connector
A joist hanger carries a big responsibility in a small piece of metal. How to choose between face-fixed, concealed, and top-flange timber...
CLT Connection Design to Eurocode 5: A UK Engineer's Guide
CLT panels rarely fail; the connections do the work. A UK engineer's guide to designing cross-laminated timber connections to Eurocode 5,...
How to use the TimbA fastener calculator: screws, dowels, and anchors for Rothoblaas connectors
The TimbA Fastener Calculator works out how many screws, dowels, and anchors each Rothoblaas connector needs, with quantities pulled from...
Structural timber screws: how to choose the right fastener in the UK
Structural timber screws carry real load, so the right choice matters. A clear UK guide to fully versus partially threaded, sizing, coati...
Stainless vs Coated Screws: What's the Difference?
Stainless or coated screws? Learn the real difference, when each one matters, and why the wrong choice causes rust stains and failed fixi...
Wood Screws Explained: Which Type for Which Job?
Confused by wood screws? This plain-English guide explains the main types, heads, threads and coatings, so you pick the right screw for t...
How to Fix Fence Posts Without Concrete
You don't always need concrete to set a fence post. Learn how bolt-down and drive-in post bases let you fix posts faster, cleaner and wit...
Which Post Fixings for a Garden Fence or Pergola?
Post bases, anchors or concrete? A clear guide to choosing the right post fixings for a garden fence, pergola or carport, so your posts s...