Subject: Timber Frame Checking
Date: Thu, 19 Aug 1999

I have a five year old timber frame (red and white oak). Several of the posts have developed checks due to way the timbers were cut from the logs. The largest of the checks is in excess of one inch wide at the surface and up to two inches deep, running several feet in length. I am exploring possible remedies including filling the checks, then either veneering them or sanding and painting the frame. The shrinkage of the timbers is about done, so I'll be able to do something within the next couple of years. Would your products be appropriate as a filler for these checks, and how would I go about filling them since the largest ones are in vertical posts? How would I control the epoxy from running downward and seeping from the checks?
Thanks,
Joel

Joel,

We would recommend this:

Apply CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) to the insides of the checks and on the surface immediately outside the checks. Give it a couple of days to cure-out. Then go back and fill with a putty made from out Layup & Laminating Resin and sawdust. You just mix the resin and add the sawdust until you get a consistency that can be applied with a putty knife. The L&L Resin is fairly slow-setting so you will have time to make the mix and apply it (about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on temperature). Once this is applied over the CPES-treated wood that wood is protected indefinitely from any deterioration or rot.

Alternately, if you are going to paint, you can fill with out Epoxy Filler. Same effect, but it does dry white. The sawdust/L&L Resin leaves a more natural appearance.

Come back if you have further questions.

Doc