The use of resin for structural timber repairs is sometimes controversial.  However, prejudices often stem from a lack of knowledge and understanding of this technology, which can provide a very cost effective repair.

In order to proceed with a resin repair certain justifications may be necessary, in order to convince interested parties of the suitability of this type of repair in a particular situation.

Perhaps the most common example of the use of resin is for replacing decayed beam ends and also for repairing decayed joints in vertical timber framing (externally or internally).  Simple beam ends can be partially or entirely replaced by cutting away the infected timber, inserting reinforcing rods into the timber ends and pouring resin into a pre-formed mould box, thus re-forming the original profile.

Cracks and fissures in timber beams which can threaten their stability but more often, are unsightly, may also benefit from the use of resins, as they are rarely deep enough to warrant more drastic measures.  Longitudinal cracks caused by drying over the years may be simply repaired by drilling vertical holes at right angles and through the fissures at appropriate centres; rods can be fixed into these pre-prepared holes with injected resin into the fissures.  Reinstatement of the shear transfer of the upper and lower section of the beam is thereby restored.

Another common problem which can benefit from the use of resins is the loss of a significant cross sectional area of a timber beam due to fungal or insect attack.  In many instances the decay is confined to a relatively short section of the beam and does not warrant wholesale replacement which could be both complex and expensive.

As mentioned, although there can be prejudice against resin repairs, there is no doubt at all that this method can – and does – create a very strong and economical repair, when compared with traditional timber repairs and / or timber replacement.