Wood Timber Advice (Dry rot/wood worm)

[crispieees]

Hi all,

Firstly i must admit im a glass half empty kind of guy and freely admit i think the world will end if i use 1 incorrect fixing, however im looking for some advice.

I am renting a house that i will be buying in the next few weeks! it is a property built in the mid 1700's with majority of original timber work in the roof space.

Having done the final kind of rounds as it were i noticed a couple of interesting items in the loft that i need some advice with.

1. Existence of woodworm, i don't believe it is current as there are no signs of dust and the holes are darkened in colour and there are no signs of worm in the newer repaired areas, should this be a concern?

2. White powdery substance running the length of newer pieces of timber on the top edge shown in the pic below, i have prodded it and it is solid, any thoughts?

3. Finally a sap like residue on one beam! again any thoughts?

I have been told 'look its an old house there are no leaks in the roof its been standing for 300 years whats the problem?' (by my wife!) should i be adopting this thought process?

Please see below some piccys

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• crispieees
• 17 Jun 2013
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• crispieees
• 17 Jun 2013
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• crispieees
• 17 Jun 2013
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• crispieees
• 17 Jun 2013
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• crispieees
• 17 Jun 2013
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