Surface checking and splits occur as timber is allowed to absorb moisture, then dries out in response to environmental changes. Surface fibres are more severely exposed to these changes than the inner core and as a result of the movement in these fibres as they dry and shrink, surface splits may occur. Changes in atmospheric conditions will affect the appearance and disappearance of these checks. The effect of surface checks are superficial only and do not usually have any effect on the structural performance of the Glulam.
