Damp Joist

jimathon

I'd be very grateful for advice please. We've had a new bath fitted to discover the previous bath had not been sealed properly, causing water to seep into the main joist beneath. The Plumber had advised that the joist is rotten and will need replacing. I have felt the jost myself and indeed it is damp and soft at the top but not at the bottom. My question is now that the cause of the problem has been resolved, would the joist not dry out ? A new bath has been put in & it will be a load of hassle to have the bath removed, etc, for an Assessor's inspection if the Plumber is being over cautious. Any thoughts please.

sparky40

Jimathon,

It is ok letting the joist dry out, but then you run the risk of getting dry rot. I have just had to replace 6 ceiling joists in my bedroom becasue of this. There was damp due to bad guttering, this was replaced and fixed the problem of damp however when the joists dried out, we ended up with dry rot.
Although it may be costly, in the long run, it may be better to replace. I know it isnt very money saving but at least you will be safe in the knowledge it is done!!

Hope this helps

Cknocker

If the damage is not too severe, scarf out the damaged area, treat with a decent rot treatment and let in a piece of timber, this need to be an extremely tight fit, screwed and glued.

jimathon

Thanks very much for replies

slummymummyof3

When you say an assessor's inspection, are you meaning from your house insurance? It won't be covered on your house insurance as it is a 'gradual process'