Replies

1. 
   billy5151 | Oct 19, 2007 07:22pm | #1

   Stickley,  Hi,  You're talking about normal checking in the beams due to drying  I assome and not anything due to stress or load bearing. Having said that I do work on a number of log/timber structures  and on the log homes most are not kiln dry log and under go normal checking , if it's on the bottom round of the log no problem. But on the top of the round they catch water pollen dirt and all the "good stuff " for causeing rot. What I use is perma-chink it adhears to a good clean surface and remains fexable and you can get in many different colors. If the checking is wide and deep you'll have to use some foam "backer rod" to fill most of the void and then apply the perma-chink or go to their web site at http://www.perma-ckink.com. I'm sure that among this crowd you'll get much more good advice. Bill D.  "woodchip86"

1. 
   Stickley | Oct 20, 2007 01:22am | #4

   Thanks, Billy. The checks I'm worried about ARE on top of the beams. I haven't heard of the product you mentioned, but I'll order some from their website.

2. 
   frenchy | Oct 19, 2007 07:37pm | #2

   Stickley,

     Anything you do will be worse than doing nothing..

    Checks are a normal part of wood drying out.

    

   You'll be happy to know that it does not weaken the timber one bit.. I know it looks wrong but it's normal.. there is plenty of information available if you doubt that..

3. 
   jesse | Oct 19, 2007 09:02pm | #3

   Get a good roofer or sheet metal worker to make copper caps/dripedges for the 10x10's. Then your pergola will last forever.