7 1/2" square post in timberframe home (RF/V kd red oak) is undergoing some substantial checking. Frame was raised 6 months ago in midwest. This is the most heavily loaded post in the home under a splined joint of 8x12 beams (rafter plates) plus supports top ends of pair of valley beams. Checking is to the heart with widest point about 1/2-3/4" spread and runs vertically 6'. It is a 16' post with 2nd level floor girt tenoned into it with shoulder. My immediate fix is to band it with 1/4" steel plate "bracket" that can serve to attach balcony/stair railing fairly inconspicuously.
Thoughts??? Thanks in advance.
