The process is considered natural if you prevent their spread immediately after detection and monitor the condition of the house on an ongoing basis.
There are several reasons that provoke the appearance of splits in wood; experts have developed a number of proven methods for elimination.
Causes of cracks
Timber is a material consisting entirely of natural wood. It is prone to cracks and there are several main reasons for this:
Poorly dried timber.
Cracks in such material appear already in the first stages of operation of the structure, after the elements dry out naturally. You can check the moisture content of the timber before starting construction with a special device; the indicator should not exceed 14%.If it turns out that the material has not dried completely, you need to lay it on a hill (30 cm from the ground) in the shade. Each element is laid separately. Then it dries to the desired humidity percentage.
During the construction process, part of the timber remains on the street, part inside the house. As a result, half dries out faster, the stress in the elements is distributed unevenly, the wood cannot withstand it and cracks.
- Frame overload .
The material is often used to create a frame structure. To reduce the number of walls and partitions inside the house, 15*15 or 20*20 cm timber is installed in the form of single columns. If installed incorrectly, cracks appear in the wall and on the frame, and the seams may come apart. To avoid this, installation must be carried out meticulously. Builders should not forget about expansion gaps. - Heating. A house made of timber must be allowed to shrink for at least 6 months before completing the installation of window openings and doors. According to the rules, the building cannot be heated for a year after the construction of the box.
One more point: intermittent heating has a detrimental effect on the integrity of the timber. For example, the owner comes to the dacha for the weekend in the fall and heats the house. After he leaves, he turns off the heating. A week or two later he comes again and heats the house again.During the cold period, the walls gain moisture, during the heating process they dry out sharply, after which the process is repeated and cracks appear. It is recommended to maintain a positive temperature, even during departure, if the house is regularly visited by the owners.
The appearance of cracks is influenced by untimely and inappropriate maintenance. The material must be treated with an antiseptic; hydro- and vapor barrier is required. It is also worth remembering the expiration dates of protective compounds.
Why do you need to fix the defect?
A crack is a suddenly formed free space, which carries with it several dangers :
- Reduced thermal insulation properties of the material. Splits make the timber thinner, additional cold bridges appear, and the temperature inside the building drops.
- The service life of the building is reduced. Cracks can appear unnoticed by the eye; insects can settle inside and increase the effect of destruction. As a result, the house becomes uninhabitable and even life-threatening.
- The appearance of microorganisms. Free space, warm, filled with oxygen, is an ideal environment for the development of mold and mildew. Part of the building begins to rot, and it becomes dangerous to stay in the house for a long time.
- Additional expenses. First of all, cracks increase heating costs. Then you have to spend money on eliminating splits and repairing thermal insulation.
- Loss of strength. The split disrupts the structure of the material, it becomes brittle.
- Not aesthetic appearance. A wooden house with cracks looks unkempt. A crack spoils the appearance of a building, despite the fact that it is a natural process.
As a rule, only one crack can be present in one element. The main task of home owners is to eliminate the defect in a timely manner so that the split does not increase and spread.
Content:
- Where do the cracks come from?
- Why are deep cracks in timber dangerous?
- How to repair cracks
- How to Prevent Cracking
- Choosing a construction company
Repairing cracks in timber or logs is an almost obligatory part of maintaining wooden houses. Any wood cracks - this is a natural property of the material. Sometimes cracks look beautiful and decorate the surface. But when the quality and reliability of the walls suffers, you have to deal with the defect.
In the article we will talk about the reasons for the appearance of cracks in timber, working methods of combating, and methods for preventing the appearance of defects.
Repair materials
Processing the timber after building the frame of the house implies complete waterproofing, vapor barrier, and sealing of joints.
To ensure that cracks do not pose a danger to building elements, they must be treated with a material that does not allow moisture to pass through . The composition must be firmly fixed to the timber and not be afraid of external influences.
Before application, the damaged element is prepared: the nicks are removed, leveled, and sanded.
Sawdust and PVA
A moisture-resistant mixture of these ingredients creates a coating that is resistant to external manifestations and is not afraid of humidity and cold.
You cannot use shavings to create mass; only small sawdust forms a viscous consistency. It is mixed with moisture-insensitive PVA glue and applied to the crack with a spatula. Afterwards, the excess is removed, wait until the mixture dries and sand.
How can I replace PVA and sawdust?:
- Wood glue with a different composition. This will not affect the properties of the mixture in terms of crack size, but it will become stronger. The material tolerates moisture better and lasts longer.
- Wood dust. The consistency of the composition becomes less loose and more homogeneous.
Since the composition contains wood materials, when mixed with glue they moisturize. When the crack is repaired, the PVA hardens, the sawdust dries out and decreases in size.
It is not recommended to use the mixture to eliminate large cracks.
Slivers
The material is suitable for repairing cracks of any size. Before starting work, the wood chips need to be sharpened into a wedge shape and used to fill the gap. The element is driven into the split until it stops, and fixed with PVA or carpentry glue. The essence of the method: the chip restores the pressure from which the timber was relieved after receiving a defect.
Instead of wood chips, you can use butterfly dowels 1-1.5 cm thick . These are specially cut pieces of veneer that will prevent the cracks from opening even further. Externally, they are shaped like an hourglass. To install the butterfly, a groove is milled in the split, and a key generously lubricated with glue is inserted into it. The excess is removed and waited for complete drying.
A gap can not only become a defect, but also decorate a building if it is located in a visible place and looks beautiful. Butterfly dowels allow you to maintain the shape of the split; it does not increase in size, retains its shape and is not dangerous.
Tyrsa
This word refers to the waste that is formed after processing limestone. The composition also contains no more than 10% clay, which creates additional density .
To seal a crack, the mixture must be moistened and the free space in the timber must be tightly filled with it. It will set, dry and become a strong, moisture-resistant bond for wood. After the work is completed, the surface is sanded.
Wood putty
The material is intended for repairing small cracks with a depth of no more than 3 mm. If you use putty for large splits, the composition will crack after drying and lose its properties. Another reason against thick layers is the shrinkage of the material, which entails detachment from the base. The putty is made on the basis of acrylic resins.
When finished, the mass is very plastic and easily falls on the timber.
There are two types of wood putty :
- With one leading component. It can be acrylic or alkyd resin, water. Before application, mix the mixture thoroughly.
- With two components. It consists of substances that need to be mixed: filler and hardener. They are characterized by a high solidification rate, high strength and ductility. The mixture practically does not shrink and is not afraid of moisture and solvents.
To apply the composition, use a rubber spatula, grind the surface after drying with a fine-grain abrasive. The putty is chosen by color; it must match the wood. After repair, the surface is covered with protective compounds or finishing materials.
When air temperature or humidity changes, the material changes shape relative to the wood and may peel off. Therefore, it is recommended to use wood putty for the inside of walls and structures located indoors.
Arbogypsum
The material consists of sawdust and a binder - alabaster, in a ratio of 3:1. To create alabaster, gypsum is diluted with water in a 2:1 ratio. The mass is prepared immediately before the start of repair work.
Instead of sawdust you can use:
- tyrsa;
- crushed bark;
- chopped straw.
The resulting composition can be diluted with an alkaline solution from soap or shampoo for plasticity. The material adheres well to wood and has a long service life.
When creating a mass, you need to eliminate all lumps and achieve maximum homogeneity of the composition. The mixture reliably holds the wood together, works for a long time, and does not shrink.
Epoxy resin
One of the best materials to combine with wood. Creates a strong, durable filling and prevents further splitting.
It has a viscous, viscous consistency, thanks to which the resin evenly fills the entire crack. If you mix resin with glue, it helps restore the integrity of the timber. Also used for repairing chips and potholes . After drying, shrinkage does not occur, the material performs a reinforcing function, and the defect will not increase.
Sealant
Suitable for medium-depth splits up to 5 mm. Before application, the crack must be processed, the jags removed, for better adhesion to the acrylic-based sealant. If the crack is deep, experts recommend placing a silicone or polymer cord inside to reduce its size.
The sealant blocks the function of moisture exchange in wood. The cord inside enhances this effect and can cause moisture accumulation, subsequent rotting and bacterial damage.
But there are also advantages from using this material.:
- the sealant is thick, elastic, fills the crack completely;
- not afraid of frost and moisture;
- can be used on extended cracks;
- dries quickly.
Wax corrector
Visually it looks like a stick made of hard wax. Used as a material for repairing small defects. The color of the corrector should be chosen according to the color of the wood ; you can mix shades if you don’t find a suitable one.
Work is carried out at a temperature not lower than +10 degrees; it can also be used for furniture repair. Before starting work, the split is cleaned of nicks and dust.
Consumables and tools
To repair splits in timber use :
- fine sandpaper for cleaning the crack from nicks and debris, final sanding;
- dry rag to remove sawdust;
- masking tape to protect the surface from dirt;
- sealant gun;
- rubber spatula for putty;
- a clean small container if you need to mix filler ingredients;
- water (for compositions or cleaning after work);
- rubber hammer (if you need to hammer in a chip);
- a damp cloth to get rid of excess solutions;
- gloves.
Step-by-step repair instructions
How the repair process is carried out:
- If a crack is detected, examine it, check the depth and decide on the material for repair.
- Using sandpaper, carefully clean the surface from nicks and debris.
- Remove the sawdust, check that there is no excess left inside the split and that it is clean.
- Cover the edges of the crack with masking tape so as not to stain the surface.
- If the crack is deep and a sealant is used, a cord is placed inside using a long thin object (for example, a knitting needle or a toothpick). It should fill the inside so that 5 mm is left free from the edge. Afterwards, the sealant is filled carefully, leaving no empty spaces.
- The remaining materials are used according to the same principle - they fill the gap with them, trying to fill the maximum possible space. If you use a sliver, use a rubber mallet to hammer it into the split so that it holds tightly using a rubber mallet, using careful movements.
- Remove excess liquid material with a damp cloth.
- Wait for the filler to dry completely and remove the masking tape.
- Using sandpaper, level the surface, remove debris and nicks. If necessary, cover with protective and finishing materials.
Difficulties and errors
What you need to consider when repairing cracks in timber walls:
The material must be clean and dry before application. Jagged edges and debris are removed for better adhesion of the surface to the filler.- You cannot use repair mixtures on the inner surface of the wall outside the building. They will be of no practical use; the cracks will increase in size.
- Gaps need to be repaired in a timely manner, without waiting for the building to completely collapse. This also applies to small cracks, which must be repaired immediately after detection.
- Mixtures and solutions for sealing cracks are used immediately after combining the main substances (arbogypsum, putty and the like), otherwise they will harden before they hit the wall. Prepare solutions in small portions.
- Be sure to let the wet ingredients dry and leave the crack for the period required according to the instructions for the substance. Do not cover with finishing materials until the composition in the split is completely dry.
How to protect wood?
So, how to avoid cracking of timber in a wooden house? It is enough to follow some rules, and there will be significantly fewer cracks, and the ones that appear will not cause trouble.
- When choosing materials, you need to pay attention to the profile of the timber being sold and the compensation groove. If the latter is done correctly and with utmost precision, it is unlikely that it will ever become covered with cracks.
- From March to May, the house should be covered with ultraviolet protection products.
- During the construction and settling of a house, the ends of the timber are treated with substances containing lime. The fact is that they do not allow moisture to evaporate and, therefore, the timber to dry out.
- To care for a wooden building you need the best substances. The most suitable option is those that contain not only filters from ultraviolet radiation, but also linseed oil.
List of expenses
The cost of repairing cracks in houses made of timber starts from 100 rubles/sq m. It may vary due to the complexity, volume, and material used to perform the work. Attracting highly qualified specialists increases the price several times.
Average cost of materials:
- carpentry PVA + sawdust – 150 RUR/piece + 120 RUR. per bag;
- wood putty - about 200 rubles. per kg, the manufacturer and volume of the can matter;
- epoxy resin 500-600 rubles, depends on the volume and manufacturer;
- sealant – 150 rub. per packaging;
- wax corrector 110-150 rub. per piece;
- tyrsa – 35 rubles. per bag.
Folk methods of restoration
What can be used from improvised means for repairs?:
Moss. It is pushed tightly into the cracks so that there is no free space left. Before starting work, the moss is moistened in water and rolled into strands. Afterwards you need to wait for the plant to dry completely.- Beeswax. Before application, it must be melted, then spread over small cracks with a brush.
- Tow. Suitable for large cracks. Hammered inside using a spatula or small shovel.
If tow is used, you cannot apply much force, otherwise the crack may become even larger than it was before the work to eliminate it began.
How to reduce the price without losing quality
When it appeared on the market, laminated veneer lumber was so expensive that it was found only in elite villages. The material was brought from Finland, there was no own production. After the equipment appeared in Russia, the situation has changed - now we can produce material cheaper, create our own products, and optimize processes.
Own production and laboratory are an expensive pleasure, but they helped GOOD WOOD make laminated veneer lumber more affordable and develop popular standard projects.
Glued laminated timber cannot be selected based on price - production is expensive, so a low cost directly indicates a violation of manufacturing or construction technology. High-quality laminated timber lasts a long time and allows us to safely offer houses with a guarantee of up to 50 years.
Preventive measures
Prevention of cracking of timber begins at the stage of cutting down the tree and continues throughout the life of the material :
- It is recommended to cut down a tree in winter, when it does not absorb moisture from the soil. During this period, the trunk is as dry as possible, the process of industrial drying will proceed faster, and the likelihood of wet material entering the construction site is minimized.
- During the production process, special cuts are created inside the timber, similar to small cracks. Their task is to relieve stress from the material when it is under the pressure of the weight of the entire structure.
- The finished structure is painted and protected from moisture, frost and steam. Precipitation and climatic phenomena will in no way bring destruction.
Where do cracks in the timber of a house come from?
1. Shrinkage. When shrinking, wooden parts dry and curl. The shape and linear dimensions change. Cracks appear on the surface. Cottages made of logs and timber with natural moisture are especially susceptible to this danger. It is almost impossible to find photo reviews about laminated veneer lumber with cracks, but huge cracks in logs are considered the norm.
2. Changes in temperature and humidity. The upper layers of wood warm up faster, give off moisture, and shrink - but the core at this moment retains its size. As a result, the surface breaks.
