Dry Rot? Wet Rot? Or Nothing to be worried about?

[HerodDIY]

I've just found this stuff on some of the joists in our victorian terrace. It looks like cobwebs but without any holes. And there is a black dust underneath some of it.

There's not loads of it, and it doesn't smell of anything (eg mushrooms). There's no cracking on the timber and no evidence of it mushrooming like dry rot. But I wondered whether it's just in the early stages!

The joists are a bit damp (but not massively - the cellar is well ventilated).
I'm a bit worried by it, but wondered whether it's nothing to be concerned about.
I'd be grateful for any expert advice.
Cheers.

Untitled

• HerodDIY
• 29 Dec 2011
• 1

Untitled

• HerodDIY
• 29 Dec 2011
• 1

Untitled

• HerodDIY
• 29 Dec 2011
• 1

 

[merlin50]

that is the cobwebs of man eating spiders they lay eggs in your ears and the young eat away at your brain

 

[cherryred]

These do look like cobwebs. Check by poking a screwdriver into the timber to see if its soft.
If the timbers are damp you would not go wrong in treating them with dry rot fluid. This will kill off anything that is there and prevent future rot including wood boring insects.
Good luck

 

[HerodDIY]

Right then. Cobwebs. Good. Don't mind looking a bit of a numpty if it means no rot for me. The joists all passed the screwdriver test.

Thanks loads merlin and cherryred

 

[misterhelpful]

that is the cobwebs of man eating spiders they lay eggs in your ears and the young eat away at your brain

Why the **** did I decide to read this thread just before going to bed?

I'll not sleep now!!!