The most unreliable ways to connect the beam in length

The construction of a timber house implies the presence of many compounds of individual elements of its walls. The methods and accuracy of the connections in many respects affect the strength and other operational characteristics of the house.

Since the length of a standard beam does not exceed six meters, the construction of a long wall requires its joining. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the types of deformation loads to which the log house can be subjected.

Often, the construction of a timber house is carried out by the owner independently, or with the help of assistants who do not have construction qualifications. In this case, there is always the risk of serious errors. Not knowing the construction technology, such workers connect the beam end-to-end. At the same time, the ends of the neighboring bars do not fasten together.

Shrinkage of the log, due to the drying of the tree, or the effect of tensile loads, inevitably leads to the formation of cracks in the joints of the timber. In addition to an unaesthetic look, the house will freeze in winter. In addition, the wall in places of such joints, does not have sufficient strength. It will gradually bend in the vertical and horizontal plane, which will ultimately lead to the complete destruction of the house.

To avoid such errors, the beam is spliced ​​in the longitudinal direction using various types of locking joints or a central tenon. You should know that the longitudinal joints of the beam can not be placed in one vertical plane. They need to be displaced along the entire length of the wall.

The simplest connection is a direct lock. At the ends of the joined beams, cuts are made and sampling at half their thickness. The joints are carefully adjusted to each other, fastened with pins.

Often the beam is spliced, combining individual elements on the overlay. The lock in this case can be with a straight line or with an inclined surface. In addition, for greater reliability of the connection, one or two oblique wedges are made on the surface of the locks. After laying the beam, the lock is firmly fixed by the weight of the upper crowns of the log house.

An equally reliable method of splicing two bars can be obtained by connecting to a central tenon. In the center of the end of one of the bars, a vertical spike is formed. At the end of another beam, they cut a groove under it. The spike should fit tightly, without backlash. The spike should be two times longer than the width of the beam.

When constructing the load-bearing walls of the house, you need to use all types of splice timber. Thus, it is possible to increase their strength. In addition, we should not forget that all joints should be laid with sealing materials.