How do timber-framed houses compare to brick-and-mortar homes in terms of energy efficiency?

13th February 2025

Because of the growing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency has become one of the top considerations for homeowners. Beyond their positive impact on the environment, an energy efficient home also helps lower the energy bills and creates a comfortable space - making it a practical choice.

In construction, there are two options that homeowners can choose from: the traditional brick-and-mortar home and the more modern timber frame home. Both have unique benefits, but how do they compare in terms of energy efficiency?

In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look at the energy efficiency of brick vs timber homes. Whether you’re building your dream home or considering an upgrade, this guide will help you decide which home suits your lifestyle and values best. Let’s get started

Brick vs timber home

Introduction to Housing Types and Energy Efficiency

Why an energy efficient home is important

According to a report from Oxford Economics, homeowners will pay 3.4% more for homes with high energy efficiency. Given the numerous benefits an energy efficient home can offer, we can say this finding is already apparent.

Let’s explore more on its benefits below:

  • An energy efficient home can help reduce heating, cooling, and electricity bills. By using advanced insulation and quality materials, you can save money while enjoying a comfortable space every day.
  • An energy efficient home is better for the environment. When you consume less energy, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. It’s an investment for a more sustainable future.
  • An energy efficient home provides excellent comfort. With features like high-quality insulation, double to triple glazing windows, and modern system, you can keep a stable indoor temperature and enjoy a cosy and efficient home.

Overview of timber frame and brick-and-mortar homes

Before turning your dream home into a reality, you should know first the types of homes available for you. This is where timber frame and brick-and-mortar homes come in.

Timber frame homes

Timber frame homes

Timber frame homes are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking a remote, countryside lifestyle that blends natural charm with modern living. These homes utilise modular housing techniques - which means faster construction times and greater design flexibility.

Aside from their visual aesthetic, timber frame homes also offer exceptional insulation and durability, making them well-suited to Scotland’s rural landscapes and varied weather conditions. They provide a seamless blend of traditional design inspiration and contemporary functionality to make sure the home that is both sustainable and stylish.

Brick and mortar home

Brick-and-mortar homes

Conversely, brick-and-mortar homes involves more traditional approach to construction. The process involves layering bricks with mortar to create sturdy walls, resulting in homes that are robust and often associated with long-term reliability.

However, these homes typically require longer construction periods and can be less flexible when it comes to adapting designs for specific energy efficiency goals. Nonetheless, they remain a popular choice for those who prioritise classic construction methods and a more conventional look.

Energy Performance of Timber Frame Homes

Thermal insulation and heat retention

Because woods are natural insulators, timber frame homes excel in thermal insulation. Compared to other materials like brick and concrete, timber reduces heat transfer, keeping a consistent indoor temperature all year.

This means you don’t need to worry about heat or cold - this feature will make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. You can also integrate modern insulation materials in timber construction, further improving energy efficiency and eliminating common heat loss issues.

Timber homes

Construction techniques supporting energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is essential in timber framing homes and advanced, sustainable construction techniques are applied here to deliver the long-term benefits to homeowners.

One key approach is the careful design and selection of eco-friendly housing materials and high-performing components. When you invest in your home’s structural integrity, you reduce the need for significant future renovations or ongoing maintenance. This proactive approach helps homeowners save money while minimising energy consumption and environmental footprint.

Another important technique is achieving high levels of insulation and airtightness. Timber already offers excellent thermal insulation properties, but modern timber frame construction builds it up further. When high-quality insulation materials are integrated into the walls, floors, and roofs, along with advanced airtight measures such as precision fitting panels, you can prevent draughts and air leakage in your home.

With a timber frame home, you can have a place that’s economical to heat, environmentally friendly, and comfortable to live in, even in the challenging climates of rural Scotland.

Energy Efficiency of Brick-and-Mortar Homes

Heat loss through materials

When it comes to energy efficiency in homes, the materials used in construction can affect it, particularly in managing heat loss.

Being sturdy and long-lasting, bricks are one of the oldest and commonly used materials to build homes. However, their downside is they are not naturally efficient insulators.

With a thermal conductivity ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 W/m·K, bricks can facilitate heat transfer, especially during colder months. The mortar binding the bricks typically has even higher thermal conductivity, creating thermal bridges that contribute to more heat loss.

Especially in older brick-and-mortar homes, heat loss is severe due to lack of modern insulation techniques. For instance, solid brick walls have lower resistance to heat transfer unless retrofitted with additional insulation layers.

How does heat loss happens

  1. Thermal bridging: The mortar in bricks act as a bridge for heat, leading to uneven heat retention and contributing to cold spots within the home.
  2. Slow thermal response: Brick walls have high thermal mass, which allows them to absorb and store heat. While this can moderate indoor temperatures in stable climates, it can lead to slow warming of interiors during cold weather.
  3. Air leakage: Older brick-and-mortar homes often suffer from cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and joints. These issues can impact energy efficiency since warm air can escape and cold air will enter.
Brick house

Retrofitting older brick homes for energy savings

Keeping your home up to modern standards is crucial for energy savings. Particularly for older homes, retrofitting can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable.

Here are some methods to try:

  • Air sealing: A simple way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by air sealing. You can use weatherstripping, caulking, or foam insulation to seal these gaps.
  • Wall, roof, and floor insulation: Insulation plays a crucial role in retrofitting brick homes. For walls, you can add internal insulation to improve thermal comfort and external insulation to reduce thermal bridging. Including roof and floor installation can also prevent heat from escaping through the attic or the ground.
  • Double-glazing windows: Older homes usually use single-pane windows. By upgrading it to double glazing, your home will have an additional barrier against heat transfer while also reducing external noise.
  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation systems make sure that fresh air circulates throughout your home without significant heat loss. These systems extract heat from outgoing air and use it to warm incoming air, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.

Comparative Analysis

Energy ratings and environmental impact

When it comes to energy ratings and environmental impact, timber frame homes and brick-and-mortar homes demonstrate clear differences due to the materials and construction methods used.

Here’s how these two construction types compare:

ASPECT

TIMBER FRAME HOMES

BRICK-AND-MORTAR HOMES

Energy efficiency

High energy efficiency due to natural insulation properties of wood and airtight design.

Moderate energy efficiency; requires significant insulation upgrades.

Thermal performance

Includes natural insulation properties, retaining heat effectively and reducing thermal bridging.

Bricks have high thermal mass, which stores heat but requires external insulation to prevent heat loss.

Carbon footprint

Lower carbon footprint due to sustainable sourcing of wood and reduced use of energy.

Higher carbon footprint due to energy-intensive processes in brick and cement production.

Sustainability

Timber can be responsibly sourced and regrown.

Non-renewable resources; production emits high levels of CO₂.

Waste generation

Minimal waste during construction, with many components pre-fabricated.

Significant waste from on-site construction and material excess.


Timber frame homes

Timber frame homes are naturally energy-efficient, with wood providing high level of thermal insulation. When combined with advanced building techniques, these homes can achieve superior energy ratings.

Timber construction also has a lower environmental impact, as wood is a renewable material, and the production process generates fewer carbon emissions compared to bricks and cement.

Brick-and-mortar homes

Brick-and-mortar homes often require additional insulation to achieve comparable energy efficiency. The production of bricks and cement heavily contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, making their environmental impact higher.

However, with proper retrofitting, brick homes can still meet modern energy standards.

Cost implications of energy efficiency improvements

Improving the energy efficiency of a home is a wise investment. However, costs can differ based on the construction type.

Timber frame homes

Timber frame homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, often incorporating insulation, airtightness, and modern ventilation systems during construction. As a result, additional energy efficiency improvements typically involve minor upgrades, such as:

  • Triple glazing windows: £1,200 per sqm (Checkatrade)
  • Engineered flooring: £50 per sqm (Checkatrade)

Brick-and-mortar homes

Brick-and-mortar homes often require more extensive retrofitting to achieve exceptional energy efficiency. The costs of these improvements can include:

  • Wall insulation: Internal wall - £7,500, External wall - £12,000 (Green Match)
  • Ventilation: £6,450 - MHVR installation (Checkatrade)
  • Air sealing: £250 - Draught proofing (Energy Savings Trust)
Sustainable home

Choosing the Right Home for Energy Savings

When it comes to energy savings, the choice between a timber frame or a brick-and-mortar home ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. Both options have their merits, but if you’re a homeowner seeking to build a sustainable, energy-efficient home, timber frame houses stand out as the ideal choice.

At R.HOUSE, we have decades of experience creating beautiful, sustainable timber frame homes that harmoniously bends with the rural landscapes of Scotland.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From design, construction, building materials, and delivery of our houses, everything is carefully considered to make sure that it’s as environmentally sustainable as possible.

Genuine turnkey

Partnering with us means we’ll manage your project from start to finish. From design and planning to construction and finishing touches, our turnkey solution allows us to handle every detail to ensure you’re getting the home you desire.

If you’re ready to start your journey towards an energy-efficient home, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our team is here to listen to your vision and build your dream home the way you want it.

Together, we’ll create a home you and the planet will love for years to come!

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