beams

[em1]

Hello,

We have recently had our beams cleaned and I am wondering if we should treat the beams for woodworm? The cottage is to be re plastered internally with lime plaster (it seems previous owners have used non breathing materials in certain areas which i am removing where possible) next month so it seems a good time to take preventative measures before the plaster chaps arrive. If it is a good idea are there any products that anyone recommends or do I simply go to the local DIY (we have Ridgeons near by) store and buy some good quality brushes and woodworm treatment oil?

I am also confused as to what we should do with regard to staining of the beams. We have different types of wood (oak and pine) which is not a issue but no doubt will show differing results to a stain. I do like the natural look and prefer a matt finish. I have been told that I could leave them as is or use a matt varnish like Sadolins extra durable varnish for floors. I have been told that using a wax means future cleaning of the beams is tricky as dust sticks to the wax! As I say I am looking to keep the beams as natural as possible does any one have any suggestions? I have a lot of beams to do so a method that is not too laboured would be helpful, I am not lazy I am just trying to be practical about the situation. Oh I will obviously wash the beams with water and a mild detergent first to remove dust.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[skier-hughes]

How did you clean your beams?

These articlesmay give you some ideas, but bear in mind some of them aren't directly aimed at beams.
http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/ppuk_discovering_article_039.shtml
http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/ppuk_discovering_article_025.shtml
http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/ppuk_discovering_article_023.shtml

If you search the forum you'll also find lots of advice on how to treat them,
like this
http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9050
beeswax, beams, linseed oil are good search terms to use.



I doubt you need to treat for woodworm, nows a bad time to check as they aren't active yet and treating for treatings sake is not good for you or the wood.
http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/ppuk_discovering_article_036.shtml

 

[em1]

Hi,

Well you will hate me for this but we tried Kling Strip and it just did not work and neither did the chemical pack - I purchased a trial pack from Sudbury. I tried many layers over a variety of periods of time and the bitumen was so thick and embedded in the cracks it just would not budge. I tried everything I could thick off and in fact I started to damage the wood by trying so hard with a wire brush. In one room our timbers are very rough they look like drift wood already, so we really do have a mixed bag - none have patinations on. The house is a bit of a folly. So some beams have been sanded by a DIY sander by me and some I had blasted as we just could not get the stuff off so a mixed bag of routes in the end. Not ideal but we tried our best.

I take the point about doing nothing unless we see a problem and will keep an eye on the wood worm. If we see a problem we will respond accordingly.

I will continue to read the other helpful articles which you kindly sent and suspect as with the beams we may have different finishing methods for different parts of the house.

At least the original fire place is being put back to a real fire and the walls will have lime plaster!

 

[middi]

If ridgeons is near you just buy some liquid clear "liberon" bees wax and brush it on, then wipe off any excess as best as possible. This will at least enhance the appearance and the natural grain of the beams but most of all will stop the inevitable dust clinging itself to the surface of the beams.

I would't bother about the woodworms.

 

[em1]

Hi, That is really helpful, thanks very much.