Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenter. Or, in our case, rip it out. Our interior roof beams, a typical feature of historic homes and often imitated in new construction, were all eaten by termites and posed a structural problem. The previous owner had them covered cosmetically with a plaster-like material so we wouldn't notice. El sr J, however, did notice. Here is the partially uncovered damage in the front room:
Removing them is a laborious and dusty process. After knocking an opening in the concrete that surrounds the ends of rotten ones, the albañiles work them out one at a time so the roof doesn't fall in, coat a new one with insecticide, and shove it in:
When the new ones are leveled and concreted snugly in place, they stain them and re-plaster and paint the ceilings:
Here's the old kitchen/new bathroom, all finished. Nice:
Unfortunately, it's a time-consuming process. One more room to go.
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