Signs of Rot & Woodworm on Purlins

[dugdug]

I have noticed what looks like rot on the purlins in our attic. There also appears to be signs of woodworm. This only seems to be affecting the uppermost face of the purlin and the underside / rear face seems fine. I suspect that the issue may be due to condensation somehow running onto the purlin. Perhaps condensation is running down the white sheeting which was installed by the previous owners.

Can anyone suggest if this should be a cause for concern? Should I treat the timber to try and stop the problem getting worse?

Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Untitled

• dugdug
• 14 Jul 2014
• 1

Untitled

• dugdug
• 14 Jul 2014
• 1

Untitled

• dugdug
• 14 Jul 2014
• 1

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[tony1851]

Take off the white sheeting.

 

[gregers]

put some white paper underneath the purlin and give it a tap,does the frass (dust)look newish?
do you have any paperwork/knowledge of any timber treatment being carried out in the past?

 

[ree]

It looks like mould, and opening the purlins to ventilation as advised above should shift it.

Perhaps probe the purlins with a sharp screwdriver looking for live "wood worm" and any fungal decay. The bugs are attracted to damp.

Daylight coming in at a felt overlap(?) in pic 2. is somethng to see to.