Exterior Wood Beam Problems
I've spent a lot of time replacing wood on the exterior
of homes and most of the damage is from poor maintenance. Some of the
exterior wood beam problems that I have been faced with in the past have
more to do with maintenance than the elements and weather.
One of the biggest problems that I have noticed over the years of
replacing these wood beams is the fact that most of them aren't painted
on the top. Water over time starts to accumulate and sits on top of the
wood beams for long periods of time, especially if they are located in a
shaded area.
This water soaks into the wood and over time starts to rot the wood or
attract termites or both. That's right, water and moisture that soaks
into wood can definitely attract these wood destroying insects. Once you
have termites, you're not only going to have wood beam problems, you
could have problems with your structural framing members as well.
If you're not interested in doing any home maintenance, I would advise
that you contact a handyman or contractor to inspect your wood beams for
problems. Once the professional has inspected your beams, they can now
advise you and provide you with solutions to extend the life of your
wood beams.
Even if the tops of these beams are painted, the moisture that settles
on top of them or been exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of
day, can cause the paint to peel off, deteriorate or wear away, leaving
the bare wood exposed to the elements in the future.
Remember that home maintenance and an annual inspection of your home,
can save you lots of money in the future.