spilt support beam

hswerdfe

I opened up a wall in my basement and found a vertical post splitting (see Pic).

http://flic.kr/p/dvFDME

This post about 5' high and is supporting a 3x3 landing by my side door, and some roof weight is being transferred to this column also.
The house is from the 60s and I have no idea how long it has been like this.

I was wondering what the best method would be to repair this issue?
I found this on ehow.com http://tinyurl.com/aegtpq5

Can anybody give and further details on how to go about this?

Thanks.

joecaption

Just looks like normal checking. I'd be more concered with the funky framing above it.
Impossible to even tell what that mess is all about.

oh'mike

Yep---Joe is right---that's a heart check----not a big concern----a shot from further back would let us know if the check migrates to the edge of the timber---If so, then you do have a concern.

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

woodworkbykirk

nothing to be concerned about. its old dried out lumber.. as long as you dont hit it with a axe...

hswerdfe

Thanks for your help and reassurances.
mike yes the check runs the whole length of the post. top to bottom.
but I have no idea how deep it goes or what's on the other side.
Joe I think the 2x8 is the supporting header with a column above that transferring load from the roof, the rest of the mess I think is part of what I think is a non-structural wall that built around the post.

but hey who knows...anything is possible in an old house.

oh'mike

If you are concerned there are ways to add to that---anything from a complete replacement--to adjustable lally columns --to sistering a new post along side of the old one----

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--