replacing wooden header in brick buildin
nctacoma
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
ok,
So I know the proper way to do this would be to have a mason replace the old header with a steel one and then fill in the extra space with bricks but…..
So this is an old brick farmhouse built in 1783. The headers over the windows are some type of wood, probably oak. They are absorbing moisture and the paint won’t last more than a few years. They need to be replaced and a drip cap added as well.
My question is what type of wood should I replace the headers with? It does need to be painted after I install. I plan on pre-priming all sides and then painting the exterior side which is why I am guessing I can’t use pressure treated.
Any thoughts?
Replies
"what type of wood should I replace the headers with?"
White oak would be an excellent choice.
Wood soaks up moisture from masonry products. I worked on a building less that 20 years old that had every sill rotted because they were placed directly onto the brick. I had to replace every sill and lower sash.