rotten floor joists....any info much appreciated....

[d.o.n.]

recently bought a house converted into 2 apts at auction after a so called developer has refurbished both apts.
went for a viewing and the house is approx 1930s construction with subfloor and noticed all of downstairs floors have been boarded over with ply.
someone has prised up the plyboard in 1 room and noticed the floor joists look as if they are rotten-(theyve been prised up cos the floor had a bump in it when you walked over it i guess)
any suggestions as what might cause this ie subfloor ventilation blocked,rising damp etc.
havent had chance to check the rest of the floor as havent completed sale yet.
are timbers easy enough to replace fully or will they be worh piecing...
would it be worth the new timber pre treated with anything.
is this a diy repair to a competent d.i.y.e.r.

 

[ratman123]

Probably a lack of ventillation, maybe recent alterations have blocked up the air bricks.

It's doubtfull it will be rising damp, as if such an issue was present the joists would not have lasted nearly as long as they have.

It's impossible to say how easy a job it will be without knowing the extent of the damage.

 

[stuart45]

Ground floors on older properties often suffer from dry rot. You need to get someone experienced to look at it as it could be quite a serious problem.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Probably a lack of ventillation, maybe recent alterations have blocked up the air bricks.

Check the garden level. Sometimes making a sloop in the garden (or installing decking) covers the air bricks.
We've seen one 'new' garden that had been 'designed' and had such a sloop the rain sloped down over the 'green' and pored into the house.