White dust/particles on roof timbers

[Paul Ayling]

Hi,
First time posting. I have noticed some white dust in some areas on the roof beams in the loft. I am unsure what is the cause and am looking for some advice.

There is no evidence of bore holes in the timber and all the timber seems sturdy. Hoping it is just dust or dead bugs etc.

Any help would be great. Pictures attached.

 

[Alastairreid]

Efflorescence..plenty of information using the search facility.

 

[Paul Ayling]

Thank you, I was unsure if efflorescence could be present on wood and just wanted to be sure it wasn't a type of rot or bug presence

 

[tell80]

Its White Spot Mould.
Its no big deal, and can be removed with a weak bleach and water wipe over.
And its obviously not efflorescence. No way.

 

[Paul Ayling]

Thanks for clarifying. It does not look too serious, but I will sort straight away

 

[Paul Ayling]

I also noticed one cracked beam and it had 4 dead bugs inside. They look like woodlice. Can anyone confirm?

Should I be worried about the crack? I cut away some of the outer wood and all the wood on the inside seems strong.

Maybe just some outside bugs residing in the crack?

 

[RrogerD]

You wanna get yourself an old house. Then you'll know what's worth worrying about or not lol!

 

[Paul Ayling]

My house was built in 1885!

 

[tell80]

I assume that I'm looking at a rafter in the loft?
But, besides the dead wood louse, whats pic #530 showing?
You can double up the rafter, & strengthen it, by sistering on another rafter bolted on alongside it - or use two rippings of 3/4" ply, screwed on one either side of the rafter.

 

[Paul Ayling]

Yeah it is a rafter. That picture was just to get confirmation it was a woodlouse. Seems I may be worrying over nothing.

The beam is very sturdy regardless of the crack and I will self-treat the patches of white mould as you suggested earlier.

Just worked myself into a panic it seems

 

[Mr Chibs]

Wood louse in the pic.

Don’t worry about your pictures, it’s nothing. You can sister the cracked rafter, as previously mentioned.

 

[catlad]

Or do nothing as there is nothing wrong with the timber! The dust is probably lime from the old torching.