Crack in wood in archway.

MisterNick

This archway is probably 10 -15 years old and in more recent times had clematis growing over it. We have cut the clematis back and I was going to take the opportunity to give it a coat of paint.

It has revealed a crack, which I dont mind painting over, but I dont really want it to get worse and failing. There is no corresponding crack on the reverse.

I am really after any suggestions as to what you would do, fill it, paint it or something else.

Many thanks

Keep_pedalling

I would strengthen it with a couple of screws then fill it.

Ectophile

I would also try long wood screws, driven in across the crack. Drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting the wood more.

If you really want to go to town, drill clearance holes and use coach bolts, like the ones currently holding the pergola together.

grumpy_codger

I don't think it needs strengthening, but can be filled to look nicer. For this I'd use two-parts epoxi wood filler.

Lorian

Water will get in there and freeze it apart for sure so as mentioned two part epoxy filler or otherwise hybrid sealant. If it gets wet before you do the job the sealant will be a better bet. Neither keep very well so you want the cheapest you can find.(The opened filler keeps longer than sealant)

diveunderthebonnet

I would use a grab adhesive then screws to pull it together ,best of both worlds then paint it, the crack should be invisible and repaired.

MisterNick

Manythanks to everybody for responding and my apologies for not getting back earlier. I have some Ronson wet rot treatment in the garage so may use some of that and then fill it. Depending on how it goes I will also screw it.

Eldi_Dos

It may pay you to slacken off the bolts that are holding the crossbars to the uprights, as there may be too much strain being put on the crossbars.

I would also go with filling the cracks with epoxy resin and the largest crack would benifit from a splint being screwed onto the inside of spar.