DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,

We removed the carpet in our house and are now working to get the floorboards in good shape before sanding them. We removed some of the floorboards as some of them weren't in good condition and also because we plan to insulate the floor. Now we've seen that some of the joists underneath the floorboards are crumbling (at least on the surface - see images). Is this a sign of bad condition? Should we treat them before securing new floorboards on them? And if so, how? Is adding sister joists an option? There are also a lot of cuts as pipes and cables run through, should we worry about these?

We'll probably also have to level some rooms. What's the best way to do this? Do you recommend furring?

Thanks

Well, looking at the second picture you could have woodworm present; the sign is the small holes. Is there pile of 'Frass' (very fine saw dust) and small black lumps (look like mouse droppings) on the surfaces below?
If there is then at the very least you need to treat all the wood work with wood presevertive / woodworm killer.
Try pushing a small screwdriver into the joists - if that goes in easily or breaks off more lumps then the timbers need inspecting by a specialist.

Sorry to give that news...

W