What Is Involved in the Maintenance of Timber Frame Homes?

A timber frame home creates a strikingly earthy, untamed impression. Those who own such a home may be regarded as individuals who are rugged and rough around the edges, but who still possess an appreciation of beauty and craftsmanship. Though timber frame homes may give an impression of sturdiness and stability, like all homes they require maintenance and upkeep to retain not only their beauty but their structural stability. The following issues are of particular concern to an owner of a timber frame home and require the attention of a professional.

 

Repair or Replacement of Timbers

Timber may seem strong and sturdy, but it is not invulnerable. Like other forms of building materials, when subjected to considerable force or high tension, timber can break apart. Broken timbers in timber frame homes need to be either replaced or repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid a compromise of structural integrity. Replacement or repair of a broken timber is extremely difficult under the best of circumstances and thus should only be attempted by a professional.

 

Painting or Staining

While it is, of course, perfectly acceptable to paint the timbers in your home a particular color, for many timber frame homeowners, the natural beauty of the wood is one of their homes’ most appealing features. Therefore, most owners of a timber frame home will opt to stain the wood to bring out its natural tints and shades rather than painting it a different color altogether.

 

Protection From Pests

Staining the wood of timber frame homes serves another purpose apart from mere aesthetics, however; it can also serve to repel destructive insects, such as termites, and other pests. What are the timbers of your home but dead trees? Termites love to take up residence in dead trees, and a large colony of termites can consume up to a pound of wood every 24 hours, causing potentially devastating damage over time.

 

You want to protect your home with upkeep and maintenance, but you may not have the knowledge and skills to cope with the issues specific to your timber frame home. In that case, you need to hire a professional to help you.