white spots on loft rafters?

[monkeymagic000]

Hi,
Looking to buy a victorian terrace, had a gander in the loft and some of the beams have white spots on them and look a bit damp (although they seem solid enough). Does anyone know what this is and if its easy to treat? (Pic below).
Many thanks

//www.diynot.com/network/monkeymagic000/albums/11377/42620

 

[catlad]

Looks like some sort of mould to me. Not helped by no loft insulation and the roof having the old style non-breathable felt, and not enough ventilation

 

[monkeymagic000]

Ah ok thanks for the info I presume adding ventilation and insulation is pretty easy but changing the felt is a big job (removing the roof tiles?)
many thanks

 

[^woody^]

d the roof having the old style non-breathable felt, and not enough ventilation

What, like 80% of the rest of UK's properties?

That could be salts from a past leak now fixed, or it could be common mould or even historic and dead, and non of which may be a problem

The felt does not seem to be original

 

[catlad]

I do not think its anything to worry about, but if left without any insulation the attic is going to sweat in cold conditions and condensation will form, and without adequate ventilation will not be a healthy environment long term.

 

[firsttimetom]

Sorry to 'hijack' and take this off topic.

In the OP's picture, can anyone advise what the ceiling is made of? Is that lath and plaster?

We have exactly the same in our house and someone warned it could be asbestos (not that I intend to move it or cut it or do anything with it, it's just nice to know)

Thanks.

 

[catlad]

Its lath & plaster.

 

[^woody^]

... and wont have asbestos in it