2007-02-21 22:49:51 · 4 answers · asked by Alan D 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Usually, post and beam construction materials are 'cured' for periods of time, depending on the propertys of the wood... the cured product is then 'graded' for consistancy and quality of the material. What grade of material is then utilized is the owners option, and the builder is just consulted for his expertise of the options offered.
Green timbers improper for construction purposes are seldom so obscure that they get to a construction site, simly because of apperance... but.. some timbers have flaws not visible untill long after the building is complete.
Cracking along the length of milled timber or pealed timber is normal.. it cant be totally prevented in any case...it's the nature of the product. The best you can expect is that who ever chooses the material for the construction has some insight to the nature of the product.
Remidy's....options...and alternate to replaceing...
there are 'fillers' that are spacifically ment to fill spiral cracks in timbers, and they are very effective, relitivly cheep, and easly attained.
There are 'spot' affective solutions for those who own log homes that appreciate the charictoristics of there logs... that just 'fill' the stacked footprint, and leave the crack for estetics.
There are 'sealers' that are transparent that shrink to minimize the space , used for insect or dust or visual compliment.
See your local building supplyer for suggestions and recomendations...they are very helpfull on things like this.
2007-02-22 07:01:54 · answer #1 · answered by olddogwatchin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is caused by the wood drying, not much you can do but the splits add to the uniqueness of the beams. Older post and beam houses or barns had the same thing happen. It is a common occurrence.
2007-02-21 23:28:46 · answer #2 · answered by justme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
shouldnt be a problem. if you are very concerned about it have a structual enginer take a look. if it is really a problem they make bands that you wrap around the posts and beams to contain the wood "keep the split from getting wider"
2007-02-22 00:30:15 · answer #3 · answered by dgr0919 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the wood was a little green, and cracked when it started to dry out,you can try calling the builder but I don't know what they can do it's worth a try .
2007-02-21 23:02:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋