I noticed this a few years ago and forgot about it. How concerning is this?

  • @nowwhatnapster
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    2 years ago

    The beam contains the center of tree which is prone to checking. The load bearing properties of the beam are predominantly on the outer sides not the center.

    Seen enough deck posts on reddit to gather this is common and more of an aesthetic thing. Obviously you can ask a structural engineer for a real opinion. But this does not look all that concerning.

    I’d be more concerned that your garage door spring is not enclosed. Those things get nasty when they pop. Sorry, I was thinking of a spring safety cable which is not applicable to this type of spring.

    • JebediahMilkshake
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      62 years ago

      I’ve never seen an enclosed garage spring. Is that common, or more of a high-end garage door installation?

      • Another Person OP
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        32 years ago

        Same. And Googling doesn’t bring up much.

        • @nowwhatnapster
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          22 years ago

          Sorry I was thinking of a garage door “safety cable” which is not applicable to the spring in the picture. I will fix my post to avoid further confusion.

      • @nowwhatnapster
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        32 years ago

        Sorry I was thinking of a garage door “safety cable” which is not applicable to the spring in the picture. I will fix my post to avoid further confusion.

        • JebediahMilkshake
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          22 years ago

          No worries! Tbh an enclosed (or at least shielded) garage spring is not a bad idea, although would be more difficult to inspect and work on in the event it’s needed.

    • Another Person OP
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      32 years ago

      Thanks for the input. That’s the overall impression I’m getting as well.