Main beam damage!?

[keniz138]

I know...worthless without pics, but here goes...

I was checking for flashing between main beam and house, which is there. Noticed that the bottom of the main beam (in certain sections) is significantly splintered away in some areas. In general, it appears that this may have been done to accomodate the shape of the house (go around shingles), but I cant tell for sure. Its like at teh bottom of the board, it gets very thin...but in no spots does the "damage" ever go as far as any nails or bolts.

I see no signs of termites....could this be dryrot? As I said, flashing is there and I cannot plunge a screwdriver through the "damaged" areas. It all seems solid, just making me nervous.

Thoughts? Help!

[keniz138]

to further claify, the flashing only goes as far as the house edge. at that point, the main beam is up against another board. there is VERY little space between these two boards, but they are both covered by the same plank on top...doesnt look as if much water could get between them. I have, however, heard of water getting in between vertical boards as a problem.

could this be the case? and if so, why is all the "damage" at the bottom of the boards? Would spraying sealer up in there help? more flashing?

[keniz138]

Anyone!? :wall: