Property Care Association Property Care Association

Timber repairs

Timber repair strategies are always directed by good diagnostic investigations and a professional's detailed knowledge of both the extent and cause of the timber damage or defect that requires repair. 

Fungal decay and attack by wood destroying insects are common causes of defects that lead to degradation, loss of materiel and weakening of structural timbers. Where this is the case the cause of the decay or infestation is the primary control mechanism, and only when this has been quantified and managed, can the extent and nature of repairs be established.

Find local specialists >>

Timber repairs - load stresses on timber - Property Care Association

Timber damage by load stresses

Structural weaknesses caused by loadings and applied load stresses can also damage and degrade structural timber elements. These too can be repaired after the causes of these defects are fully understood. 

It is also possible to repair, retain or preserve not structural timbers used in joinery or decorative purposes but again the cause and extent of defects must be known and eliminated before repairs are undertaken. 

Repairing timber

Timer repairs can take many forms. Splice repairs are an age-old solution to the loss of strength of volume of timber and the simple substitution of defective elements of a timber structure with new timber components fitted to old structures, is one of the inherent advantages of wooden structures.  

Skilled joiners can often affect incredibly effective repairs without losing any of the intrinsic qualities of the building structure or its aesthetic. 

It can be advantageous to adopt modern techniques that allow timbers to be strengthened, retained or preserved. The use of resin technology, steel and fibre reinforcement can be cost effective and highly successful where original timbers and fabrics are to be retained. 

In all situations where timber repairs are required; the process, extent and nature of the repair must be led by the findings of good diagnostic investigations and an understanding of the wider implications of any defects that are discovered. 

Understanding the cause is critical!

Until the causes of the defect are fully understood and the implication of the defect on the structural integrity of the building are quantified, it would be unwise to specify a repair strategy. This is true regardless of the need to repair a structural beam in a roof, an embedded lintel, a floor joist or a window frame to name but a few examples. 

Many builders and joiners can repair or replace timbers in building, but without understanding how and why the repair was necessary and eliminating the cause of the underlying defect or designing repairs to accommodate inherent risk factors, the likelihood is, problems will persist. 

Structural related technical documents you can view

For those interested, there is a variety of structural, timber and dampness related 'Codes of Practice', Technical Documents, Guidance Notes and other related documents via our technical Document Library.  Simply click on the button below to view the library.  Documents of interest include:

  • Code of Practice for the Installation of Remedial Wall-Ties & Lateral Restraint Ties
  • Fungal Decay in Buildings
  • Guidance Note Party Wall Act 1996
  • Wood Destroying Insects in Buildings
  • Code of Practice for the Investigation and Control of Wood Destroying Insects and Fungi in Buildings

View the technical document library >>

Free training - Timber & structural related CPD videos

Want to learn more about timber & structural repairs?

For those interested in learning more about timber & structural repairs, there is a variety of PCA training options for surveying professionals as well as technical/trade professionals. 

Use the search tool below to find available structural, construction or timber related training courses or simply go to our training & qualifications section.  Alternatively, if you want to chat to someone, contract our training team on 01480 400 000 or contact them online.

More about training >>

Contact us >>

Search Courses
Search

More about PCA Membership 

Interested in taking part in the CPD scheme but you are not a PCA member?  Find out more about membership and why it will benefit you!

Find out more >>

Professional Guidance

For those professionals looking for information, technical help and guidance towards and variety of property related problems, why not check out our 'professional guidance' pages.

Find out more >>

The Property Care Association
11 Ramsay Court
Kingfisher Way
Hinchingbrooke
Business Park
Huntingdon
PE29 6FY

Content Copyright © 2024 Property Care Association - All rights reserved. The Property Care Association is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England: No. 5596488

“PCA®” and the PCA logo are registered trademarks of the Property Care Association. Legal Information and Disclaimer.