Wood beams often develop cracks and split over time as they are subjected to the elements of nature. These splits are majorly caused by moisture getting into the wood through a leaky roof or high humidity levels. If left untreated, these cracks can make your house unstable and unsafe to enter.
1. Inspect the Beam
Before you start fixing your split beam, do a thorough inspection of it. Take a putty knife and scrape off any excess build-up from the shaft and look for damage. If it is a small, isolated crack, you will probably be able to fix it by simply filling the split with wood filler.
However, if there is more than one split in your beam or the splits are large enough to creep into the solid part of the beam, you will need to insert a beam patch.
2. Drill the Holes
Once you have decided on your course of action, drill some pilot holes into the split. Slide the wood filler into these holes before using an electric sander and a putty knife to smooth out any excess wood filler.
3. Use Polyurethane Glue
Apply a couple of thin coats of polyurethane glue on the beams. Ensure these are thin coats as any excess could create bubbles while drying and then crack off when the beam is used later on. Also, make sure you keep an eye on your patch, so it doesn’t dry before you apply the second coat.
4. Use a Clamp to Keep It Firm
Place clamps vertically on both sides of the beam and tighten them as firmly as possible. There should be three-inch spacing between the clamps to ensure the patch doesn’t get crushed. However, you should tighten the clamp if the split in the wood has six-inch spacing.
5. Remove Excess Glue
Dip a clean piece of cloth in lukewarm water and wipe out the excess glue. Leave the wood to dry, then remove the clamps.
Conclusion
Repairing wood beams is relatively simple and can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Reach to us today for more information on fixing these pesky beams that are so common with old homes.
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