cracked roof beams - is it a problem?

[suiko]

Looking to buy a house in Spain with a traditional pitched roof. No trusses, that's the way they seem to make them

The house has been done up, but I'm wondering about some of the beams (downstairs and upstairs), which have large cracks in them. Is this likely to be a problem, or is it just normal?

Thanks in advance for any views!

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

No problem in general, its the cracks across the beams that are dangerous. Those cracks where the grain has opened up are called "shakes" don't know why.
Frank

 

[suiko]

Thanks! So fairly large lengthways cracks not a problem? One of them seems to have been filled with concrete (pic 3).

The beams look newish to me - what do you think? Though I can't see how this is possible as the roof looks oldish!

 

[suiko]

Here's a pic...

 

[big-all]

think off timber as a handful off drinking straws what you have is a gap between a few straws
now as said if you start sniping the straws [cracks across the grain]you loose strength

 

[suiko]

Thanks again! So you reckon they're OK? Wonder why they stuffed one of them with concrete, then!

 

[big-all]

it wouldnt pass regs in the uk but typical in other countries

 

[suiko]

Don't care about regs - as long as it doesn't have any major issues that will stop it standing up for 20 years or so without costing me money!

 

[big-all]

if the timber is off the correct size the splits wont effect the strength

 

[Doggit]

At some stage, a previous owner has obviously had the same concerns as you, and tried filling the cracks with concrete for peace of mind. If you're still worried, fill the splits with 2 part body filler, (cheaper than wood filler) and then paint the beams to cover the filler if you're worried about the colour mismatch.

 

[lostinthelight]

At some stage, a previous owner has obviously had the same concerns as you, and tried filling the cracks with concrete for peace of mind.

I don't think it was for peace of mind as I can't see any strength being gained by filling, possible attempt to hide them?
litl

 

[suiko]

The filling must have been done by the current owner, I think, as she bought the place about 15 years ago. Can't imagine a local would have done that in a sound village house!

I don't mind the cracks at all if they aren't a problem - just wanted to make sure about it. There is a bit of plaster between the beams upstairs that feels a bit soft to the touch - doesn't feel damp, but...

Oh, and one more thing... any ideas what might have happened here (ground floor)?

 

[Himaginn]

That looks like a wall has been removed, a small cupboard, perhaps.

 

[lostinthelight]

That looks like a wall has been removed, a small cupboard, perhaps.

I thought that but it does look very narrow for a wall?
My other thought was water or power to kitchen island if they have that sort of thing in Spain..is there a cellar below?
litl

 

[suiko]

No, no cellar (and the kitchen is separate, on the other side of the stairs). I reckon it could have been a kind of walled cubbyhole/storage space - these seem to be pretty common in these houses (see pic above, of another house) Only thing I wonder is why they took it out, as they are kind of characterful, and it is in the space under the stairs anyway!