What is First Fix Joinery?
First Fix Joinery in Layman’s Terms
First fix joinery refers to all of the initial structural work that goes into a house build prior to walls being plastered and floors being laid. Think of it as the frame, or even the skeleton, of the house that will be hidden from view once the house is finished.
Structural Framework
First fix joinery includes the installation of floor joists, wall studs, roof timbers, window frames and door frames. The windows and doors themselves, however, would be second fix joinery, or finishing work. (Stay posted for an article on Second fix joinery coming soon!)
An important component of the structural work is that it allows for the hidden installation of boxing and housing for electrical wires and plumbing. While wiring and plumbing being exposed is not uncommon in public buildings such as offices, it is not very attractive in your own home. An exception might be in an old build that has metal pipework rather than modern PVC.
The Need for Precision
Accuracy is the ability to hit a desired target. If you were firing a bow and arrow at a target, you would be accurate every time you hit the bullseye. Precision is the ability to be accurate over and over again. If you managed to hit the bullseye once then missed it with the rest of your arrows you would not be precise with your aim.
It is essential to be precise in constructing the structural framework for a home because every single error, no matter how big or small it is, has a knock-on effect later in the build, and consistent errors compound into even bigger problems. These errors can lead to structural instability and can impact the fit of finishes like doors, windows and floor boards.
What Can Damage First Fix Joinery?
Over time there are several issues that can arise in the structural framework of your home, the most common being damage from moisture.
Mositure and Water Damage: Pipe leakage, rising damp, and the construction being completed under a non-watertight envelope can all contribute to excessive moisture in structural framework. These are ideal conditions for decay to set in:
Dry rot: This is a type of fungus that spreads quickly in areas that become damp but have poor ventilation, such as beneath floors.
Wet rot: This is a type of fungus that develops in areas that are consistently damp, such as beneath roof linings.
Insects and Pests: Damp timber is more prone to being infested by wood-boring insects, which severely compromises the structural integrity of the timber.
Poor Installation: As mentioned earlier, mistakes made in construction can compound into bigger problems later in the property’s life.
Misalligned or inadequate timbers can lead to structural instability, walls that flex and uneven floors.
If interior timbers are used in areas that are more exposed to the elements, dampness can cause accelerated deterioration.
If the structural framework is not sufficiently protected during construction, the integrity of the building can be compromised before construction is even complete.
Wear and Tear: Despite being mostly hidden from view, structural framework can be damaged over time by repeated impacts and heavy loads. Also, if a tradesperson has to, for example, cut into floor joists to make room for new utilities and services but does it poorly, it can develop into a problem later in the property’s life.
HouseFix Provides Quotes for First Fix Joinery
If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above in your home, HouseFix can help you by replacing damp or damaged timbers using the correct materials and installing them expertly. Head to First Fix Joinery for more information or Contact Us today.
