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The roof, floor beams and timber frames of older buildings often need repair. This can be achieved without resorting to replacing timbers in many cases, which is the likely solution of the more gung-ho builder.
Scarfe joint repairs:
Scarf joints are often used where parts and sections of timber beams and roofing have rotted or decayed through severe beetle attack. The damaged timber is removed and replaced by a new piece. The scarfe joint is designed to lock together to give a strong repair. A sloped cut is used and often that is bolted or screw fixed across. IT may also include a countersunk fixing to prevent the opening-up of the splice when tightening.
Fixing alongside:
Timbers which are damaged or decayed may be strengthened by bolting or otherwise fixing replacements sections alongside the original to act as a splint. Sometimes the whole length of timber is doubled by a similar length piece alongside.
Flitch repairs:
A flitch plate repair involves fastening steel onto or into the failed timber as a splint which is bolted or otherwise fastened to the timber. The plate may be an inverted T shape or a plain plate. It could be a vee shaped shoe to extend purlins or ridges or metal plates to extend the ends of timbers
Reinforced Resin repair:
An alternative method of repairing timber is through using steel or carbon fibre reinforcing bars that have been set in epoxy resin. Having drilled or slotted the original beam we would let in the reinforcement and set in epoxy resin. The joint is highly dependant upon the bond between timber and resin.
Packing-up:
Often it is necessary to pack-up the feet of rafters or the feet of posts in a timber frame. This is achieved with solid blocks of timber or slate. Occasionally cleats are added to give further lateral restraint.
Collar /ties repairs:
Where roof spread is a problem doubled-up collars or additional ties using wire or steel bars is often the solution. We can fabricate and supply all the necessary components. |
