Help for Newbie re Old Wooden Beams

[steve256]

Hi
We have just started work on our 17th century house. It is a timber framed building and we are starting to remove the black paint on the beams. Once we have done this will we need to treat the beams for woodworm before we look at waxing them. Any other advice greatly appreciated.
Sorry if this is an obvious question/answer but completely new at this
Cheers

 

[Tom]

What damage have they suffered (Woodworm, Deathwatch Beetle) and to what extent? Is the infestation still active? Do you need to do any repairs? Any pics? Sorry for all the questions but it helps people to give you more specific answers

Jaqy

 

[biffvernon]

Any other advice greatly appreciated.

Don't jump to the conclusion that they need treating for woodworm. This is not a good time of year to decide. Wait till next June to see how many, if any, beetles emerge. Meanwhile concentrate on keeping averything dry.

 

[Penners]

As Biff has said, you may not have an active woodworm infestation, particularly if your timber has been dried out (or you can can dry it out yourselves).

To check whether you have an active infestation, early next spring paste some tissue paper over some particularly well perforated areas of your beams. As the beetles emerge, they will puncture the paper and you'll have clear proof. No holes, no woodworm.

Try and avoid using chemicals - they're very noxious.

 

[steve256]

Thanks all
Some good advice here
Most of the timbers seem very old and dry.
They are all currently painted black which i am about to start stripping
Some of the wood clearly has signs of woodworm but seems i need to wait to see if its still active. I like the tissue paper hint
Does old and dried out wood by implication not have woodworm??

 

[skier-hughes]

Woodworm likes damp wood, it could be brand new or very old, that it doesn't care.

If you search the forum you'll find many many posts on this, where some will give the actual dampness figures that the different beetles like.

Have a look at some of my pictures here
http://www.myvideoproblems.com//TestFiles/Personal/Kitchen/Kitchenhole.htm

Graham