rotten beams

[amandag38]

hi
can anyone point me through the archives to find info on the topic of bad beams, i hve looked through several pages but keep getting waylaid, or maybe someone would like to help from this post,
The house that we have bought is a timber framed cottage, however most of the wall frame has been coverd with either cement or tongue and groove panelling, done during a 60s modernisation programme ! i have removed some cement from a couple of beams that were slightly visable, to assess any damage we would like to have them on show, on the whole they are in ok condition but there are patches of wood worm decay, (its like powder) what would be the best method of repair.
also when we have the survey done the inspector said there needed to be an access in the ceiling to the thatch, but the ceiling has historic plaster which i dont think the CO will want us to remove or damage.
thanks in anticipation

 

[Nemesis]

First of all, before going too far in removal (which is a good thing in the case of cement) I'd contact the CO to ensure that this is OK. It may be considered that LBC is required, so do check. The CO may be able to give some advice also.

As far as repair goes - the insect damage is probably ancient. Beams were usually 'over-engineered' for the job, and you may find that they will continue to do the job even with worm damage.

If you do consider that you need to repair sections, then cutting out and replacing with new by splicing in is the way to go, but only as a last resort - try to hang on to historic fabric as far as you can.

With regard to the roof - well, the inpsector (surveyor) may think so, but the place has been standing a long time without and maybe it's not necessary, but again, the person to speak to is the CO.