Feeling its all getting too much really - help! Question 1

[L1zzy]

Hi all I'm a bit knackered after spending every rain free moment of the last 4 days stripping my window frames inside and out in prep for repairs - got cross with myself cos I managed to crack 2 panes - grrr.

still .......I have some questions .....all comments welcome from you all will post each of the 3 questions seperately:

1. I have wood lintel above one original 18th C window frame it had a knot right at the centre originally I think and its perfectly fine except for a big gaping hole where the knot was - what should I do? Lime mortar round the edge (ltheres gaps all round lintel right now ) and also 'fill in' the hole with lime mortar or .... see if someone would be brave enough to replace lintel - so far two guys have each said erm not sure how far it goes back so reluctant to tackle it.

 

[skier-hughes]

Not that I'm an expert.......


Just had to write that

More info may help those that are, such as how big is that Knot hole?

I wouldn't have thought replacement would be an option if the rest is fine and in comparison the knot hole is a small part of the hole.

Graham

 

[L1zzy]

Hi there - the knot hole was probably eons ago quite small but has now erroded to become a large star shaped hole about 5inches across at its widest point - hope this helps?

 

[Gervase]

I'd leave the lintel where it is. The grain of a piece of timber will run around the knot, and that's what provides the strength. The knot itself contributes nothing to the strength of the lintel, and it really doesn't make much difference if the plug is there or not. If the rest of the timber is sound, then stop worrying and move on to questions 2 and 3!

 

[L1zzy]

THANKYOU Gervase - I feel better already - last question - if I don't infill the hole with lime mortar won't water get in behind the wood and rot it from the inside outwards ?

 

[Gervase]

Anything you put in the hole will eventually shrink anyway and allow water in, so I wouldn't worry unduly. You could whittle a hardwood peg and whack it into the hole with a wooden mallet, but if the hole is irregular and star-shaped that might be tricky. If it's just for the aesthetics, try using very fine (silver) sand and linseed oil mixed to a very stiff paste and shoved into the hole.

 

[L1zzy]

I will leave as is - feel reassured- Thankyou