White mould? on wood beams

[purplemonkey]

hi all,

I am renovating a house and there appears to be every aspect of wood decay here, but lets start with this one.

it was likey wet from above for a while (months-years?) it appears solid to knock but this white stuff is covering a large area. I'm wondering what is is, and if to replace the beam or simply scrape off and treat?

photos added, they are taken with and without flash.

cheers.

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• purplemonkey
• 3 Apr 2013
• 1

Untitled

• purplemonkey
• 3 Apr 2013
• 1

Untitled

• purplemonkey
• 3 Apr 2013
• 1

Untitled

• purplemonkey
• 3 Apr 2013
• 1

 

[vv2806]

When my ex decided to sell the house, the surveyor pointed out a similar problem with 2 of the rafters in the loft space. Apparently the flashing around the chimney failed and there was a water ingress there.

Surprisingly it was not easy to find a timber specialist company to sort it out. Most of them would do commercial projects only. Eventually we found a company (from Bristol, I believe), their expert came and said there is a little bit of wet rot and the timber is stained from the moisture but no need to replace the rafters. Gave a quote for treating the whole loft with 20 (or 30?) years guarantee. Something in the region of £500.

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

What is room above used for?or has been used for?

 

[purplemonkey]

these beams support an upper floor, we are in the middle of renovating this house so above will become bedrooms, below dining room. it was previously just open space (warehouse/storage) and the collapsed roof would most likely be the source of water ingress.

 

[AronSearle]

Obviously we can only guess from pictures, but if the beam appears solid, scrape and clean and treat.

It's wouldn't be that surprising if they don't need replacing or repairing.

 

[anobium]

Just a long shot but try and find out if the room was ever treated for wood worm.
If so some of the products used caused a growth similar to what you describe .
In any event it is harmless
Wet rot does not cause a growth on the surface.