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Thread: split beam?

  1. #1
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
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    Default split beam?

    I found this beam with a split in it. It is in one of the 4 attics of this 8600 sq.ft. home that I inspected yesterday. The split runs through the entire beam. I am not sure if I should call it out or not. Any suggestions?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: split beam?

    Picture?????


  3. #3
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
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    Default Re: split beam?

    woops...it's early out here

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  4. #4
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    Default Re: split beam?

    Must be real early. I don't see any beams in these pictures.

    Erby Crofutt, Georgetown, KY - Read my Blog here: Erby the Central Kentucky Home Inspector B4 U Close Home Inspections www.b4uclose.com www.kentuckyradon.com
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  5. #5
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
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    Default Re: split beam?

    double oops...maybe I should go back to bed!

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  6. #6
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    Default Re: split beam?

    Ron, when I see splits like these that are fully supported across the length of the beam/joist, I don't call them as long as the split doesn't run to the top or bottom edge of the beam. However, if the split has resulted in some twisting or canting of the beam/joist, then I would.

    I wouldn't hurt to just make some mention in your report of the condition you observed and include supporting pics.


  7. #7
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
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    Default Re: split beam?

    okay...thank you kindly


  8. #8
    Harry Rezaei's Avatar
    Harry Rezaei Guest

    Default Re: split beam?

    I believe the correct term used for these small types of
    cracks is 'Checking'. Checks are not as serious unless they go all the way through the joists/beams etc. In that case, it would be best noted as a 'Split'.



  9. #9
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    Default Re: split beam?

    In my opinion based on your photos' these are very typical checking cracks. It is caused by improper or quick drying of the wood. The wood dries from the outside first, and the wood was likely not rotated during the drying period in the kiln.


  10. #10
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    Default Re: split beam?

    Ron,

    You say that the cracks run through the the entire beam. Is that through the length or the width - it makes a big difference.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  11. #11
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    Chesapeake, VA
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    Default Re: split beam?

    Dear Ron;

    If this home is in a high wind area or earthquake zone, this could be a problem. After Hurrican Andrew I saw a few beams supporting roof rafters with the bottom half still bolted to the steel clumn and the upper half of the beam and roof nowhere to be found. I noticed the anchor bolts are located below the check or split. This could be repaird quite easily with steel straps or sheeting on both sides.


  12. #12
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    Default Re: split beam?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Bishop View Post
    I found this beam with a split in it. It is in one of the 4 attics of this 8600 sq.ft. home that I inspected yesterday. The split runs through the entire beam. I am not sure if I should call it out or not. Any suggestions?
    It appears to be normal checking. Probably Douglas Fir from the Pacific Northwest or BC, which dried rapidly after the roof went on. There are still plenty of continuous fibers visible in the split sections, and it will take a tremendous force to split that beam down the middle. I would not even mention it.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

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