Splitting beams

[june.horne]

I live in a period cottage and have noticed some of the beams have started to split. I can't really say if this is recent but am wondering if it is a result me having the heat on through the winter and a new woodburner installed?

Can anybody offer any advice as to whether increasing the humidity in the room would help or other suggestions?

Many Thanks

 

[robgil]

Where in the country arde you June?
It might be better to take a photo of the beram in its entirity but that crack looks historic to me, can you see any fresh wood inside it? Is it all the way through?
Welcome to the forum.

 

[biffvernon]

It looks, from that photo, that the beam started to split a very long time ago. Splits don't always mean that the beam is not strong enough. Think about how 'split' a piece of rope is - plenty of tensile strength though not very stiff.

 

[Matt Green]

If that picture shows the woodworm damage from the other thread, it's older than I am and best left alone.