Checked
Checks in wood members are open slits or cracks that appear lengthwise parallel to the grain, often in sapwood as it shrinks around the heartwood during a drying process. Checks generally are shallow splits along the grain of the wood and do not necessarily indicate a deficiency in support. If the checked lumber is exposed to the weather, the length of the check should be filled with a putty compound or other means to control moisture penetration which could result in other types of damage.