Just like you will sometimes see cracks in the concrete walls, you can also see cracks on the outer surface of wood. These lines are known as checks, but they can also be called cracks and shakes. Knowing the differences will let you take action at the right time to prevent further damage.
Checking: Checks are long cracks that occur parallel to the grain. These are formed as part of the drying process of wood. As wood contains water, it gets dried when it’s removed from the tree. As a result, the wooden surface starts shrinking, leading to the formation of cracks.
Usually, you don’t need to worry about checking as it’s a natural process and doesn’t alter the structural strength of the wood. They occur when wood becomes dried out over time.
Also, the appearance of checks depends on the thickness of the wood. The thicker the wood, the slower the checks formation.
Checking also indicates that the lumber you are using is healthy. As the drying process begins from the outer to the inner layer, the formation of checks means the inside wood is not rotten and is healthy.
Shakes: Shaking means when the outer layer seems like it’s coming out, almost like peeling. It’s usually an aesthetic problem and it doesn’t alter the wood’s structure and strength unless the shaking runs deep into the wood.
Cracks: Cracks are the real issue that occurs when there’s too much pressure applied to a piece of wood. They form perpendicular to the wood grains and you should act quickly because cracks indicate a structural problem with the lumber.
How to avoid checking?
You cannot avoid checking as it’s a natural and inevitable process of wood drying. However, you can slow the process by taking certain precautions.
- Apply a sealer to slow the drying
Checking is a natural process of wood drying where it takes the help of elements like wind and sunlight. But when you apply a sealer to the wood, it acts as a resistant layer to the outer elements which can effectively slow down the process of drying.
So, if you have to keep the wooden lumber outside for a long time, then apply a sealer to the entire outer surface.
- Acclimate the pieces
Before you use the wood for construction, you may want to acclimate which means getting the wood used to the outside temperature and humidity. If you want to use the wood for indoor construction, keep those lumbers outside so that they get used to the airflow and humidity in the house. Later you can use them in construction and the depth of checks appearing will decrease.
- Purchase higher-grade lumber
Checks or small cracks do not matter at all when you are using them for trivial things like vegetable boxes or fences. However, if you are using it for special things like outdoor patio furniture, indoor décor items, etc. then it’s better if you use higher-grade lumber.
Higher-grade lumber has fewer knots and the grain fibres will be straight, so there is less chance of checking. Depending on your purpose, you can purchase the quality of wood appropriate to it.
- Fasten the wood properly with screws and nails
No matter for what purpose you are using the wood, you have to fasten them securely by using long screws and nails. If not, the wood may form cracks deep enough to get the screws right out of it. So, you have to make sure the screws are long enough so that it’s going deep into the wood.
As mentioned earlier, checking is a natural process of wood drying and you don’t have to worry about it too much. However, you can minimize the process by taking the precautions mentioned above. By applying a sealer and proper polishing, you can use the wood for any construction use.
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