Make Your Timber Frame Last

You probably don’t think about it, but regularly checking the timber frame beams in your home is a good idea, especially if you are in an older property. Over time, the timber frame can wear down, the shape can warp and bow, which can compromise the structural integrity of the house.

Regular checks are always good as problems can be spotted early and fixed then, rather than wait for a bigger problem to arise and have to pay out more.

With the winter here, your timber frame beams are more susceptible to rot as there is more moisture in the air. There are two types of rot you should look out for; wet rot and dry rot.

Wet rot is when the timber frame is exposed to moisture and becomes damp. This then leads to fungus growing on the wood, making it weak, soft and spongy. This is easily detectable, all you need to do is feel the timber and if it feels springy then it will need repairing.

Dry rot on the other hand is worse than wet rot. Rather than wet rot which grows in one area, dry rot will travel through different surfaces to find the next damp area. The rot can even go through brickwork and cause issues with other parts of the household structure.

To look for dry rot, try and see if there are mushroom-like growths on the timber and if you spot large cracks or if there are strings across the timber, then these are signs the rot as spread and it will need repairing or replacing.

Prevention

Both of these problems are avoidable with proper care. As both are caused by moisture and dampness, the best prevention is to make sure the room is well ventilated and there are no cracks.

Make sure to check and if you see any cracks or broken seals, to make sure they are fully sealed. If you have any pipes in the attic, make sure they are leak-free and also make sure the rest of the property has no rising damp. You can paint timber as well to make sure it isn’t exposed fully to moisture and damp.

Repair

A full investigation would be needed to determine how much damage there is and what needs to be done. In both cases, normally the damaged section can be cut away and then replaced with new timber. If it’s a small area then an epoxy resin repair kit is good enough.

Always get a professional’s opinion, if you are unsure or even if you know but need a second opinion.

If you are looking to replace bits of the timber due to damage, we stock a wide range of timber products suitable for all building requirements. Why not have a look HERE to check out our product range, or give us a call for availability or expert advice. CLICK HERE for our contact details.