It is very comfortable to live in houses built of logs and beams. That is why many people prefer to build wooden houses, as they are natural and environmentally friendly.
However, the shrinkage of wooden houses lasts about a year. After some time, cracks and cracks begin to form in the material. At first they are small and insignificant, then they become deep, spoil the appearance of the structure.
There is a version that if the tree is cut along the axis, this will significantly reduce the risk of cracking.
The kerf is an even groove, the depth of which is 1/4 - 1/5 of the total diameter of the log, and the thickness is 6 - 8 millimeters. This is done compensatory cut with a chainsaw or using a special machine. Another name for this groove is unloading.
It demonstrates the greatest efficiency if the preliminary drying of the wood in the stack lasted at least a year. In log cabins, such a cut is covered from above by a log.
However, according to the words of experienced builders, this cut is undesirable. Because the tree can behave unpredictably after a few years.
Previously, no one used cuts. The tree was dried for about two years, due to which cracks practically did not form in it.
When the split of a tree is more than six millimeters, while it passes through the entire surface, it is possible that precipitation will enter the cracks. As a result, the material will rot, harmful insects will start in it, which can spoil any timber.
If you notice large splits in the logs, you need to know how to properly repair them.
Cuts (i.e. ends) dry quickly enough. If the shrinkage is too intense, then cracks will first appear at the ends. In order to avoid such a problem, you should close the moisture outlets through the cuts. For these purposes, sealants are used. In this case, moisture will transfer to the outer layers of the tree, after which it will evaporate evenly.
Also, the ends are treated with oil paint (varnish), drying oil or wax solutions. Several years ago it was customary to seal them with lime.
How to get rid of cracks in wood?
I want to tell you about the most common and effective methods.
- 1. First option - use of sawdust and PVA. Cracks that appear can be repaired with putty. For its manufacture, we take PVA and sawdust. We mix the components so that the consistency of the mixture looks like a putty. Then we fill the gap with the solution. A spatula is suitable for work, with its help you can push the putty deep enough. This method is more suitable for small cracks.
- 2. The second option is use of putty. With the help of acrylic putty, you can mask both small cracks and deeper cracks (up to 3 millimeters). At greater depths, the mixture will crack after hardening, and then completely fall out.
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3. The third option is using acrylic sealant. It is not suitable for sealing too deep cracks, but it has proven itself well for masking minor cracks.
When the gap is more than five millimeters deep, you can put a plastic rope into it, and then spread the sealant on top. These two materials will not stick together; polyethylene will act as a fastening tape.
Some experienced craftsmen are categorical about sealants. Since it clogs up the fibers, it does not allow moisture to escape. As a result, the tree starts to rot.
Also, builders do not advise using a polyethylene cord, since when using it, a greenhouse effect is created. As a result, fungus and mold start to grow.
It is best to patch up cracks in the old proven way, as our grandfathers did.
- 4. In villages, large cracks are accepted clog with moss. First, it is moistened, then rolled up into tight, dense bundles. Moss swells inside the crack. The advantage of this method is that the moss is breathable.
In addition, such filling of cracks does not harm the tree in any way, and it will serve for many, many years.
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