Field report by Frederik Haak

Field report by Frederik Haak

Hello, I’m Frederik Haak, or “Freddy”!

Even as a child, I used to build huts or camps in the forest with my friends and back then I always enjoyed creating things out of wood. Since I started working as a carpenter at the age of 20, I’ve traveled a lot and gained experience at various companies and projects.

I’ve already spent several years in Switzerland and worked at a hospital ward in Senegal, for example. The job really fulfills me and keeps me healthy as I’m always on the move.

However, as I get older, my plan is to become more of an appraiser/restorer, as you never know how long you will be able to continue working as physically as before.

For this reason, I successfully completed my training as a restorer in the carpentry trade in order to expand my range of services in the field of restoration and appraisals. After years of practical experience, you can make the most of your knowledge in the industry and thus provide optimal support for the renovation/restoration of a building. True to the motto “Experience confirmed by technology”, the IML-RESI also helps me to distinguish the defects from the still intact areas in the wood. A structural engineer can then calculate the load-bearing capacity and we can replace as much of the existing wood as necessary, but as little as possible.

I bought the RESI at the end of 2020 on “suspicion” because I was very enthusiastic about the subject. My first project in which RESI drilling was carried out only came about later in collaboration with carpentry firm Ludwig Schultz from Steinweiler and involved the renovation of an old monastery in Landau-Mörlheim. Ludwig Schultz has many years of experience in wood preservation of all kinds, in the renovation of half-timbered houses and in wood pests and fungi. Combined with my enthusiasm for new techniques, we are the ideal team for this project.

Fabian Hunger and Alexander Bauhuis from IML were also on site at the beginning of this project and supported us in dealing with the RESI and gave us valuable tips from drilling to evaluation.

What advice would I give newcomers to the carpentry trade or restorers?

Take a risk and dare to break new ground!

Buildings are getting older and older, which means that expert appraisals are becoming increasingly necessary. The cost of building materials is constantly rising, which is why the trend is towards restoring existing buildings. Especially in the case of listed buildings, as much of the existing resources as possible should be preserved – this is not only easy on the wallet, but also on our environment.

I would also like to encourage young people to learn the carpentry trade! Not only can you earn good money, but you also have an important profession with a future. There are many opportunities for development and specialization, which is why the profession never gets boring. The carpentry trade urgently needs new blood and welcomes every interested apprentice!

Author of thePost

Author of the post:
Alexander Bauhuis

- Alexander Bauhuis has been responsible for Germany-wide sales and the management of international sales partners at IML since 2018. He advises IML customers based on their needs and finds the right solution for every area of application in close cooperation with the customer. For any questions about wood testing systems - from advice to ongoing orders - Alexander Bauhuis is your right contact.

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