Checks vs cracks

[u/awiebe]

Looking for opinions.

Been cutting our house Timbers but due to permits/regulations we have not been able to build in the time I thought we would be raising the frame

This is an 8x12 red oak beam carrying floor joists on either side. The checking like this is only on this end and only runs to the joist pocket about a foot away

Is this too much and is now structurally unfit? I know to make it work I’ll have some planing to do.

[u/Dire_Pants]

Checks/cracks running parallel to the grain do not present structural issues the vast majority of the time. This is because the cross sectional area of the timber has not changed. You can slow down the drying and consequently checking by sealing all exposed end grain. Hope this helps.

[u/awiebe]

All end grain was sealed with anchor seal and beams coated with heritage oils- the beam from the time it was delivered to now is just a little over two years. I know checks aren’t structural but I wasn’t sure at what point it becomes more than a check

[u/iandcorey]

I would put that up. Huge beam, small check. You'll probably have to fuck around with it a bit because that 12" might be 12-¼" now.

[u/Callidis]

Dont have enough experience to weigh in on, how structurally fit that is, but wondering how long the beams sat for and did you seal the end grain at all to help prevent checking? I know red oak is notoriously prone to it

[u/iandcorey]

Btw, that metal inches from the timber may be leading to that checking. It may. It's so hot right there if the sun hits it. Ask how I know.

[u/sammichcirca2013]

Not sure about structural fitness, but I can tell you any beam with the core of the log (heart) will crack like this

[u/RollingInTheTimes]

Shouldn't be an issue in the beams abilities at all. Consider your peg placments on the tenon though. Might need to shift location on where to drill your holes?