Are the cracks in my oak frame a cause for concern?
Cracking & Checking
Is cracking and checking a cause for concern?
Oak structures are simply stunning. Whether an oak porch or an entire oak framed building, there’s no denying the natural beauty of oak as a building material. And that’s no doubt why oak extensions of all shapes and sizes are hugely popular and are guaranteed to draw the enviable eye of any passer-by.
If you’re considering enhancing your home with an oak extension or porch, it’s a good idea to understand the nature and temperament of oak.
Cracking & Checking
Following the installation of your oak frame, you’ll begin to notice cracks in the oak posts and beams. This is entirely normal and is part of the drying out or seasoning process. Green oak will experience more drying out in-situ, but air-dried oak will also continue to season after installation as it goes through the process of reaching a happy equilibrium with its environment.
Due to the nature of wood, every piece of oak will shrink and swell differently, creating different sizes of checks and shakes. These cracks and splits aren’t defects. They are what makes oak timber structures so unique and naturally beautiful.
As splits and cracks (also known as checks and shakes) appear in your oak frame, don’t be alarmed, they are completely normal. Wood becomes stronger as it dries. Your structure is simply seasoning, settling, and strengthening.
Natural Checking
A natural check is a long crack that appears as the sapwood shrinks around the timber’s core. This separation of grain happens due to changing moisture levels and as the oak continues to dry. Oak will often develop many surface checks. These checks are not a structural problem and create the sort after rustic appeal that makes an oak frame so popular.
A Natural Aesthetic of Oak Frames
Most of the cracks and checks will appear in your oak frame during the summer months, as the warmer weather will dry your timber faster. Likewise, the position of your oak structure will also influence its number of shakes—a south-facing frame will develop more checks and shakes than a shady, north-facing oak extension.
Checks and shakes are a natural aesthetic of oak frames and help create that sort after uniqueness and character. The structural integrity of your oak frame won’t be compromised as shakes and checks appear; in fact, your beautiful structure is strengthening.
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