Timber Framed Farmhouse in Staffordshire

Don'ts:

• Dont' use any cement!
• Don't use modern silicone sealants!
• Don't paint the timber with anything!
• Dont put anything impermeable against the timber
• Dont let plants grow near the walls 

Do:

• Caulk joints with marine caulking - hemp/stockholm tar
• Use lime render on the panels
• Check all your gutters and downpipes work
• Keep the walls clear of vegetation 

The only way to ensure that an oak frame has the best chance of survival is to get EVERYTHING off the oak - it should be cleaned down to bare wood, and allowed to weather to the old silver colour of ancient oak. The infill panels should be able to breathe, they should be lightweight construction (which can include modern materials) with lime render faces, and breathable caulking around the edges to allow for movement of the frame, and prevent water from penetrating around the edges of the panels. NEVER use modern materials which are impervious to seal anything - the frame should be open, allowed to flex and move, clean of paints and varnishes, and only use lime for panel finishes.

Oak frame repairs should only be carried out by people who know what they are doing - always ask to see examples and talk to the people who own the house - it might look pretty from the outside, but you may find the owners are almost suicidal with the water and damp that pours into the building from badly sealed joints and panels installed by builders who THINK they know how to do it.

Here's a typical 'New' frame - only replaced by local builders about 5 years ago, caulked with modern sealants, and what it looks like now - more rotten than some 400 year old ones! Notice its painted with gloss black - another no-no, which will only encourage rotting..