exposed purlin, what should I do?

[arthurw3]

I have my roof purlins exposed to the elements as the gable end wall is only half brick thick, and the end of the purling is exposed to outside. I am worried about them rotting. Should I fix some lead flashing over the ends of the purlins, where they are exposed, to protect them from the worst of the weather, or would that stop them drying out when the wall gets wet?

Thanks

 

[middi]

If the purlin is oak and at the moment is in good condition there is a good chance that it will outlast your great grand children with no interference at all.

 

[Flyfisher]

Just to back up Middi's (expert) comment with my (amateur) observations, our house has exposed oak timbers that date back to around 1550 and, although somewhat 'gnarled' they are still rock hard despite over 450 years of weathering. Indeed, where we have had problems with decay, it has always been where timbers have been covered with inappropriate materials that have trapped moisture. Ventilation is most definitely good for wood!

 

[arthurw3]

no no it's pine, put in about 1930 to replace the tree trunk that was there

 

[Penners]

It's probably not a good idea for pine to be exposed to the elements, but neither would it be a good plan to seal it off from the air and ventilation. This could exacerbate any rot that took hold.

The best idea might be to devise some sort of hood or stand-off covering that would protect the purlin ends from the rain, but still allow them to be well ventilated.

 

[arthurw3]

Yes, thanks Penners, I'll try and devise something, a little hood made of Aluminium open at the bottom might serve. Perhaps if I drilled a small hole in the end of the purlin and filled it full of Borax to act as a fungicide if it got wet might be a belt and braces.

 

[Nemesis]

Not sure Borax will have much effect in reality.


Pine - it doesn't like fire, but it can stand the elements if it's quality:

http://sine.ncl.ac.uk/view_structure_information.asp?struct_id=827

fire has partially destroyed Dunston Coal Staithes, alleged to be the largest wooden structure in Europe. The staith, which was used to load coal into boats for export around the world, is a spectacular example of the dominance of coal in the region's history. More details, including a link to the SINE Project's images of Dunston Staithes can be found at the BBC.