White mould timber bearer

Hi there.

I hope you guys can give me some direction please.

House is 60+year old, only a section of timber bearer has a white stuff on it & look like a crack near there. The rest of bearer & joints system is fine.

Leaking from ground-floor would causes this ? hopefully it will not cause a major issue.

Thanks you in advance for your help.

 

Is that a concrete slab sitting on the timber?

 

Hi Scott,

I didn't check that but it could be concrete slab or fibro (see how its peeling at the top and sides)

 

If it's concrete, then it's water staining.

 

I think you're right Scott, that right under bathroom so probably concrete slab for bathroom & some water/sewer pipe leaking under that. You have any rough/idea how bad was that ? I probably need to engage a building inspector later on.

 

I get the impression that it's calcium staining/burn from the original concrete pour. Nothing gives the indication of a water leak or drying stains.

 

My friend recommends same thing, the white stuff could be from when they pour concrete & from time to time some water leaking/lack of ventilation causing black color & texture on timber.

There could be some issue with ventilation & the owner has to add new vent in.

Do you have any recommended building inspector within 20km West from Sydney CBD ?

Thanks