Beam Restoration and Repair
Tips for exterior Beam Restoration and Repair for your Mid Century Home
Choosing the right strategy for beam repair can leave your place looking as good as it looked back in the day.
Making sure the exterior beams of your post and beam home are in good shape significantly increases the curb appeal and value of your mid century home.
The original beams in most mid century homes extend six-seven inches beyond the roof line meaning over the last sixty plus years the beams have been exposed to the elements. We have seen beams where the ends of been removed completely destroying the original aesthetic of the home and beams in such bad shape they seem to be crumbling before our eyes.
And we have seen lots of different repairs including beam caps and sleeves.
We interviewed Adam Ramirez of Davis-based RETROBeam Restorations for tips on restoration. We have seen his company’s sign in several homes in our Shelfield Oaks neighborhood. (Editor’s note: Adam’s answers have been edited for clarity.)
Custom made metal caps are placed on end of beams after rotted portions have been removed. The caps will then be painted to match the beam.
What mid century beam repair method does your company use?
RETRObeam Restorations manufactures 14 gauge welded, waterproof steel caps, custom made to fit beams of any size. The caps are primed and painted to match existing trim. Beyond the improved appearance, waterproof RETRObeam caps are highly durable — preserving and improving the integrity of each beam as they are highly resistive to infestation and rot.
A closeup of beams repaired by RETRObeam using the cap replacement method.
To preserve exposed beams that do not need repair, what can homeowners do to keep them looking good?
With or without a RETRObeam restoration we recommend retaining a professional (such as a painter (link here) or handyman) to come out annually to seal (caulk) and paint all cracks where the beams are exposed, and where the beam intersects with the fascia.
Any tips for homeowners when selecting someone to repair the beams?
Ask for references. Ask for the company’s methodology of construction as it applies to beam restoration. Check out their website. Never pay the full amount until all the work is complete. Most of all, if restoring a beam with wood NEVER mix 40–60-year-old growth lumber with new wood as it isn’t as stable or durable.
Why choose RETRObeam Restorations?
As mid century modern (MCM) enthusiasts, RETRObeam Restorations cap design makes beam restoration easier and long lasting. MCM homes look their best when restored to their original aesthetic.
Taking the short cut of cutting off the beam's rotten portion and then placing a tin cap over the end results in a look that is not consitent with the original design.
Price range?
For a typical 2ft cap, preparing the beams, fabrication, installation, sealing, and painting we charge $795.00 per cap. We offer additional products to ensure a long-lasting application.
How long has your company been in business?
We have been in business four years. RETRObeam is a subsidiary of RMZ Design & Construction. RMZ has been in business for more than 25 years in the community of Davis, CA.
Why choose your company?
We have installed more than three hundred caps over the last four years. We are proud of our client’s trust and satisfaction in our work. While other company’s provide a successful repair to damaged beams with wood, we offer a fully waterproof solution encapsulating each beam with long lasting welded steel.
These beams were repaired by cutting the end of the beam off. Then a new piece of wood was added and the whole thing is bolted together using a metal plate.
Other Sacramento Beam Repair Companies
Two other local companies to check out for beam restoration include The Beam Guy and Joseph Gomes Construction.
When we had our house painted, our painter, N-Style Painting, did minor repair and preservation on out beams. A good painter can make small fills and repairs.
