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Timber decay guide

Rotten Joist Ends: What Usually Causes Them?

Joist ends often decay because damp masonry keeps the bearing wet. The visible middle of the joist can remain sound while the end hidden in the wall fails.

Timber and building detail relevant to rotten joist ends: what usually causes them?

The wall pocket is the vulnerable point

Traditional floor joists are often built into masonry. If that wall becomes damp through rainwater, high ground, plumbing or other defects, the end grain can stay wet for long periods.

Floor movement is an important clue

A floor that dips close to an outside wall may have lost support at the joist ends. Boards can remain largely intact while the joists beneath them have weakened.

Do not replace the timber into the same wet pocket

A new end built back into persistently damp masonry can repeat the failure. The moisture source and drying of the wall need attention before or alongside the structural repair.

Several joists may share the same problem

If the damp source affects a length of wall, inspect neighbouring bearings. The worst joist is often only the first one that became noticeable.

Useful technical sources

These links provide background guidance. A particular building still needs its own inspection.