Any helpful views?
C15 3 story cottage, Oak structure, no brickwork, cross beam in between roof gable ends that supports 3rd floor attic is a long support, about 3.5 meters.
In the middle of this massive beam is a small hole with a large void behind, in which a woodpecker has nested, and is currently enlarging his accommodation.
Whilst the hole looks dramatic from the outside there is no sign of rot on the inside of the house where the back of the beam is clearly visible.
I'm not worried about the hole from a structural view, although there are signs of death-watch around the hole, (very large woodworm holes - who knows if the woodworm is still active, no noises or obvious signs of lava...no woodworm guarantees on the property but I'm very sceptical about the effectiveness of such treatments).
There is no way of protecting the beam from water ingress, if the rain comes from the north west then the whole wall gets soaked.
Other parts of the wood frame on this north facing wall have been filled with concrete..... should I douse with woodworm killer, and then fill with concrete, or fill with something else......cutting away the hole and the rotten wood might compromise strength of beam?
Thanks in advance for any advice.....
C15 3 story cottage, Oak structure, no brickwork, cross beam in between roof gable ends that supports 3rd floor attic is a long support, about 3.5 meters.
In the middle of this massive beam is a small hole with a large void behind, in which a woodpecker has nested, and is currently enlarging his accommodation.
Whilst the hole looks dramatic from the outside there is no sign of rot on the inside of the house where the back of the beam is clearly visible.
I'm not worried about the hole from a structural view, although there are signs of death-watch around the hole, (very large woodworm holes - who knows if the woodworm is still active, no noises or obvious signs of lava...no woodworm guarantees on the property but I'm very sceptical about the effectiveness of such treatments).
There is no way of protecting the beam from water ingress, if the rain comes from the north west then the whole wall gets soaked.
Other parts of the wood frame on this north facing wall have been filled with concrete..... should I douse with woodworm killer, and then fill with concrete, or fill with something else......cutting away the hole and the rotten wood might compromise strength of beam?
Thanks in advance for any advice.....
