We have a house from the 70s with a so-called yodeller balcony where two roof truss beams are visible. During a DIY repainting of the house, I noticed that the top side of the outer rafter was heavily weathered, and in one particular spot, the wood is porous and could be removed. See image.
The house's facade was replaced by a company about 12 years ago, and they also painted the rafters at that time. What I seem to notice is that no primer was applied, which may be a reason for the wear.
As seen in the picture, there are three parts. The middle is the rafter, and the inner board is from when the house was built, but I don't really know its function. The outer board was added when the facade was replaced, but I don't quite remember why.
My questions:
1. Is the damage small enough to leave it as it is and just oil and paint, or do I need to bring someone in to inspect it? I've measured the moisture content, and there is no moisture in the wood.
2. If self-repair is sufficient, I think it would be good to protect the beam. Suggestions on how? A metal edge plate? Tar paper?
Grateful for any good advice!
The house's facade was replaced by a company about 12 years ago, and they also painted the rafters at that time. What I seem to notice is that no primer was applied, which may be a reason for the wear.
As seen in the picture, there are three parts. The middle is the rafter, and the inner board is from when the house was built, but I don't really know its function. The outer board was added when the facade was replaced, but I don't quite remember why.
My questions:
1. Is the damage small enough to leave it as it is and just oil and paint, or do I need to bring someone in to inspect it? I've measured the moisture content, and there is no moisture in the wood.
2. If self-repair is sufficient, I think it would be good to protect the beam. Suggestions on how? A metal edge plate? Tar paper?
Grateful for any good advice!
Hello and welcome to the Byggahus forum!
From what I can see in the photos, it is the collar beams of two trusses that are affected. The task of the collar beams is partly to prevent the trusses from pushing out the outer walls, and partly to reduce the dimension of the trusses' top chords (the sloping parts). In this case, the collar beams are only subjected to tensile forces. A lot would have to happen before that function is lost. However, it is apparent that they have received incorrect treatment or perhaps none at all. Cladding them with sheet metal on the top side sounds like a good idea to me.
From what I can see in the photos, it is the collar beams of two trusses that are affected. The task of the collar beams is partly to prevent the trusses from pushing out the outer walls, and partly to reduce the dimension of the trusses' top chords (the sloping parts). In this case, the collar beams are only subjected to tensile forces. A lot would have to happen before that function is lost. However, it is apparent that they have received incorrect treatment or perhaps none at all. Cladding them with sheet metal on the top side sounds like a good idea to me.