Q:      Will my Council accept Timbercrete®?

A:      Yes, Timbercrete® has passed all test requirements for the New Zealand Building Code, and a Specification Sheet containing full details is available upon request (this can be included with your Building Application form when submitted to Council).  Independent test results and certificates are also available for inspection upon request.

Q:      How much will it cost to build my home from Timbercrete?

A:      The savings for walls will vary depending on the specification of your home. For example, with Timbercrete walls you do not need skirtings, architraves, insulation, gibboard, paint etc. However some people elect to install skirtings anyway, purely for aesthetic reasons. The only accurate way to determine the EXACT savings is o have your builder quote for the alternative specifications. However some people have saved 20% to 40% by using Timbercrete, compared with brick veneer walls 

Q:      What style of house can I build with Timbercrete®?

A:      Any style, any type, any size, including multi-story residential, motels, wineries, public buildings, etc. And while Timbercrete is particularly cost effective when used as a "single skin" wall construction, we also offer special block sizes that allow you to build a conventional "brick veneer" or "full brick" home, but substituting Timbercrete for the traditional bricks.
Please check our website Gallery which has numerous examples of stunning homes already built by Timbercrete® customers.

 Q:      Can I lay the blocks myself?

A:      Timbercrete® blocks are easy to lay and very forgiving compared to traditional mass produced (angular) bricks and blocks.  In many cases a meticulous amateur will produce a better result than a sloppy professional.

 Q:      Will Timbercrete® erode over time?

A:      Timbercrete® is a concrete/cellulose product, and shares similar erosion characteristics to other concrete blocks.  Please see the official test results in our Technical Data section

Q:      Will Timbercrete® stain or fade?

A:      Timbercrete® will not fade because the colour reflects the carefully selected raw ingredients.  Like all semi-porous brick and concrete products, staining can be prevented by applying an economic anti-graffiti sealing solution after construction.

Q:       Will we need air-conditioning?

A:       Providing the house is sensibly designed with a passive solar aspect, the need for air-conditioning is dramatically reduced.

Q:      Can any brick layer or builder construct with Timbercrete®?

A:      Extensive construction notes and tips are provided for use by your Architect, Engineer, Bricklayer, and Builder.  We are also available to advise all the above should they have any special requirements or concerns.

Q:       What is the availability of Timbercrete®?

A:       We are currently establishing Timbercrete® manufacturing facilities throughout .  Your nearest accredited Licensee will provide you with current cost and availability information.  Please see the “Timbercrete® Distributors” section for a listing.

Q:      What is Timbercrete® made from?

A:      Timbercrete® is a unique blend of cellulose, cement, sand, and binders to enhance block strength and prevent excessive water penetration.

Q:      Are there other products like Timbercrete®?

A:      No. Timbercrete® is a unique product as evidenced by Patent PCT/AU01/00520.

Q:      Do you build homes or recommend builders?

A:      Our main business is supplying the Timbercrete® block and associated products.  Your local Licensee may be able to assist in recommending some Trades people in your area.  However any competent builder should be able to quote you using Timbercrete® construction.

Q:      Do you offer house plans and designs?

A:      We offer one plan for a four bedroom (2 bathrooms) double story loft-style Timbercrete® home (this home appears as you first enter our website), and the cost of the plans is $440 including GST.  For further details on these plans please contact Peter Collier on telephone (02) 4567 1149. We also work with a company called Post & Beam Pty Ltd who have a host of designs that utilise Timbercrete blocks.  Please have a look at www.postbeam.com.au for more information.

Q:       Is Timbercrete® suitable for other applications?

A.       Yes, Timbercrete® can be used for sheds, barns, garages, barbeques, front fences, garden borders and retaining walls. It is also an effective sound barrier.  

Q:       Is Timbercrete® waterproof?

A:      Timbercrete® is a closed-structure body and therefore is less porous than the average concrete block, but not waterproof in the sense that a rubber shield is waterproof.  It certainly won't wash away or erode if exposed to the elements for long periods (like mud bricks).  However after prolonged exposure to rain, water may penetrate a few millimeters into the surface of an unsealed Timbercrete® block. It is therefore recommended that a sealing solution be applied to external walls to prevent this, and also prevent the ingress of water through the mortar.   Check your local Hardware store for a reputable clear water repellent masonry sealer.

Q:      Is Timbercrete® fireproof?

A:      Timbercrete® blocks are non flammable, and in fact about the most “bush fire proof” building product available in !  (A BBQ built from Timbercrete® blocks has been barely scorched after five years use.)  No special precautions, other than those based on the usual common sense, are required in bush fire areas.   Please see the Fire Test details in the Technical Data section.

Q:      What if I want a different size block?

A:      Standard Timbercrete® blocks are made to the maximum size that most bricklayers can comfortably work with. However different block sizes can be produced upon request with the additional mould costs to the customer’s account. 

Q:      What block colours are available?

A:      Block colour is determined by the colours of locally available sands.  If however these are not to your liking, there are several ways to produce the colour of your choice, such as:-

A.    Add an oxide or similar dye to the raw material mix

B.    Add a tint to a sealant and “paint” the walls after they are erected

C.    Render or paint the walls

D.     Use a coloured bagging solution. 

Some of these options may involve extra costs.

Q:      Do I need to use gibboard to line the internal side of my walls?

A:      No, there is no need.  Timbercrete® represents an attractive internal finish and it only adds cost to install gibboard as well

Q:      Does Timbercrete® give off any toxic “fumes” that would affect an       allergy?

A:      Timbercrete® blocks contain natural raw materials as well as proprietary non-toxic additives, but nothing that produces vapours.

Q:      What is the Thermal Mass of Timbercrete®?

A:      The Thermal Mass of Timbercrete® is 909kg/m³.  The product has the ability to store energy due to the unique blend of high insulator and high thermal mass materials.   See Technical Data section for more information.

Q:     What if I want a smooth surface on the internal walls inside my  home?

A:      You will need to apply a traditional concrete render to achieve a smooth internal wall surface.  An alternative is a new block we are currently developing which allows outside cobblestone/split-face and inside smooth.  It has a higher insulation value (R2.25), and will be about twice the price.  It is being released shortly.

Q:      Can I use Timbercrete® to renovate and clad my exterior walls?

 A:      We do not recommend Timbercrete® for this purpose, as most cladding materials are relatively thin and adhere or mount to the existing walls.  Timbercrete® blocks are too wide and heavy to provide this function.