Why do some studs look like this?

[jzz]

Hey!

I bought my first house last summer. I knew there had been problems with the crawl space before, but a dehumidifier was installed, and the inspector only noted the smell (which I didn't think was a big deal). He mentioned that the floor joists were discolored but nothing to worry about....

Anyway, my dehumidifier has given up. This has made me moderately worried about what's happening down there.

What I want to figure out is whether the joists are actually discolored or if it's some sort of mold. Maybe treated in some way since it's only superficial? The house is from '68.

Let your imagination run wild!

1. This color is consistent. However, it looks like some parts are completely black.



2. Strange things?



3. What's happening here? The tar from the sill paper taking over the plank?



4. The joists up towards the hatch seem to have "survived."



The color of the joists seems to be darker in one part of the crawl space.

Take it easy!

 

[jzz]

I can add that the trust in the inspector is not exactly high as, after renovating the surfaces, I've found a damn lot of devilry....

 

[Matti_75]

To me, it looks like the wood has been treated with cuprinol.

 

[BigGitt]

Even for my part, it looks like impregnation. However, I don't know if it is Cuprinol.

 

[Matti_75]

What does the wood smell like? It could be tar mixed in turpentine or waste oil as well.

 

[findus42]

It looks like the subfloor is made of asfaboard. It is notorious for sagging between the beams so that large holes open between the panels. Free passage for mice. Have seen horror examples. A type of task that no one wants is to fix such errors in old foundations. Lying down and re-insulating from underneath when barely your nose fits... mmm...

Best regards/Findus