I had new 6×6 posts installed to support on my porch roof overhang last fall. Now there are vertical splits on 1 post. Should I drive long screws to minimize the splitting?
Our Answer
Cracks in wood support columns are very common and seldom weaken the post to the point where a structural repair or replacement is needed. Is this a pressure treated post? Those will crack like crazy as they dry out. Other than the cosmetics, they cracked wood posts or timbers rarely need repair
Now if the post is so badly cracked and deformed that it is not supporting the roof, then I’d replace it. Again, if it’s made out of pressure treated lumber, expect cracks and plan to wrap the post with aluminum cladding, pine or composite to make it presentable.
The idea of driving a screw through the post to slow down or prevent further cracking is interesting, but I doubt it’d have much impact. Wood that is drying out will crack, twist, turn and basically do what it wants to do and a few screws will probably not change that.
Thank you very much.