Unique Features: The Heart of the Matter
Yankee Barn Homes uses Douglas fir for all of our timbered frames, whether they are full or partial post and beam. The importance of using Douglas fir is because it’s the highest rated of all North American soft woods in both strength-to-weight ratio and in rigidity. Pine cannot compete as it has broad grain lines, making it far weaker than fir. The soft wood between the grain lines shrinks and expands, making the wood more likely to cup or twist.
Here’s the unique feature when it comes to Douglas fir used by Yankee Barn Homes. Our timbers are never cut from the heart (center) of the tree. The center is softer and less strong. All YBH’s Douglas fir is Structural Select or # 1 Grade and kiln-dried.
Read this: Building Qualities of Fir Wood
YBH True Panel System
Yankee Barn Homes is one of only a handful of timber home companies who build our own wall and roof panels. Not only that, we have obtained a trademark for the panel design and build them here in our climate-controlled factory.
Most timber frame home build companies offer panels not built by them. They are SIP panels (structural Insulated panels) constructed by third-party companies and sold to timber frame builders.
Yankee Barn Homes has designed and created a panel system named True Panels which is far better and stronger than any SIP out there. Here’s why: True panels are not only built for wind shear but also constructed for load bearing, i.e., heavy snow loads. SIPs are not manufactured to bear snow load without added structural support. The YBH True Panels are an integral part of the of the load-bearing system and may be used without timber.
The YBH envelope is constructed to to withstand the pressure from high winds, variability of outdoor temperatures (very hot to very cold), and the heavy weight of snow on the roof (in feet, not inches). The system is also designed to withstand air infiltration. To say our say our True Panel System is unique is not overstating the facts. It’s one of the reasons the system has a trademark. Unique features are our stock and trade.
Yankee Barn Homes’ Staff
While it goes without saying there are great staff members at other home-build companies, there is a wonderful sense of family within the YBH staff. We are not a company with a high turn-over rate. Staff members are not only knowledgeable in their field, they are devoted to the philosophy of a “family company”. A company that designs and builds custom houses specifically suited to each client. The staff understands the product and is proud of what they produce. Should you have the opportunity to tour the facility, ask anyone about their job. Perhaps ask what they do, how it relates to the product, what they love about YBH. Guaranteed, you’ll learn something you didn’t know.
Last, but not least, the staff is known for roasting a mean trash can turkey and throwing a bang up holiday party for their hometown!
Yankee Barn Homes Wishes You a Very Happy Holiday Season!
