Supporting durable design and construction in structural timber buildings

Moisture is one of the main risks to the long-term performance of structural timber. Poor planning, installation or maintenance can lead to defects that shorten the lifespan of a building.

This guide from the Structural Timber Association offers a practical process for managing moisture at every stage of a project. Based on the RIBA Plan of Work, it helps design and construction teams make informed decisions that protect timber structures from moisture-related issues.

What’s in the guide?

  • A step-by-step moisture management strategy
  • Guidance aligned with RIBA Stages 0 to 7
  • Roles and responsibilities for all project partners
  • Practical advice to avoid common issues during design, build and in use
  • Checklists and tools for risk mitigation and long-term maintenance

Who should read it?

This guide is for clients, architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers and anyone involved in the planning, design, construction or upkeep of structural timber buildings.

Durable buildings start with early planning. This strategy helps teams work together to reduce the risk of moisture-related defects and improve the performance of structural timber across its full design life.

The Structural Timber Association (STA) represents the leading voice in structural timber construction. We support best practice, drive technical innovation and provide authoritative guidance across the sector. Our members include manufacturers, suppliers, designers and contractors who are committed to raising standards in timber building design and delivery.

Our library of technical documents offers clear, practical advice on topics including moisture protection, durability, structural design, and more.

Looking for more guidance?

MEMBERSHIP

Being part of the STA means being part of an organisation dedicated to representing
the collective interest of its members by providing confidence in the use of
structural timber and championing the drive for sustainable offsite construction.