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Tips: Some Issues to Consider if Timber Framing |
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Checks are the
grain separations that appear on the surface of the timbers. They
are caused as the timbers dry and shrink. When wood begins to lose
the water that can account for over seventy-five percent of its live
weight, it shrinks in size. As the shrinkage occurs, the timber pulls
itself apart in isolated areas along the grain lines.
While timbers will not shrink significantly in length, their cross-grain
dimensions can shrink noticeably. This usually begins to appear in
the first and second year after construction. For example, beams that
were tightly butted against posts at the time of the frame raising
might show gaps a year or two later. This shrinkage is taken into
account in pre-engineering of timber sizes and joinery, and does not
significantly affect structural integrity.
Evidence of shrinkage will also appear where the timbers meet the
walls and roof. As the framing contracts, more of the wall or roof
surface will be exposed and a paint or wallpaper line will appear.
After the timbers have stabilized (usually within about three or four
years), you may want to touch up the finish in these areas.
Braces will also shrink, but builders avoid the paint line by centering
them on the post and girt rather than placing them flush against the
wall. This provides enough space for the painter or paperhanger to
extend the finish behind the brace. |
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