Construction firms could be missing out on much needed revenue due to avoidable delays brought on by winter weather, according to Stewart Milne Timber Systems.

Wind, rain, and snow are all common seasonal problems which can bring construction projects to a standstill, but factory-manufactured timber systems enable construction to continue in any weather, meaning projects can still be delivered on time and on budget.

Alex Goodfellow, group managing director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, says house builders can help to deliver new housing stock in line with ongoing demand and have the opportunity to drive growth within their own businesses.

Goodfellow said: “The UK’s cold and wet winter is traditionally a hard time for construction projects. But there are ways to mitigate against unnecessary delays, and the use of timber systems is one way to circumvent seasonal challenges and capitalise on the economic recovery.

“House builders that don’t have to wait for the weather to improve will be at an advantage, and using alternative build methods such as offsite manufacture can be an effective way of meeting deadlines, increasing housing supply and reducing cost.”

Goodfellow’s comments come after the National House Building Council (NHBC) reported that house building in the UK has hit its highest level since 2007. Stewart Milne Timber Systems has enjoyed continuing growth in 2014, reporting a 40 per cent increase in profits year-on-year as developers have sought ways to improve cost effectiveness, speed up build programmes, and deliver energy efficient homes against tightening sustainability criteria.

A current example of a winter project being undertaken using timber systems is the firm’s involvement in the UK’s first eco-development, North West Bicester (NW Bicester).

Developed by A2Dominion, NW Bicester is a landmark new community development of true zero carbon homes and sustainable living. Stewart Milne Timber Systems will deliver 94 Sigma II Build Systems of the project’s first phase, known as Exemplar.

Stewart Milne Timber Systems are manufactured offsite and erected by a specialist team within days of delivery, without the need for masonry materials to dry. This allows houses to be built within 13 weeks, instead of the normal 18 weeks for masonry homes. Timber systems houses can be weather tight, air tight, secure and fully insulated within 72 hours, and there is no requirement to wait for appropriate weather for building.