Renovation of rotten floor joists, rot, rotted wood

When you buy an old house you know it holds lots of secrets that are always at risk of revealing themselves at just the wrong moment.  It is much like an indiscreet mistress, mysterious and portending. Yesterday, Mr started one of the big dreaded projects hanging over our heads. It is an indiscretion first exposed two years ago during an attempt to replace the kitchen floor. Previous owners decided to cover up some rotten joists rather than repair them. Their choice to ignore progressing damage, deteriorated into rotten disaster. That rot is what brought on the current rotten burdensome project. Mr has just started that project.

Rebuilding the foundation required moving the pre-cast concrete steps to the kitchen. Upon moving the concrete steps it was discovered that the water running off of the roof, cascading then splattering onto the concrete steps, caused water damage to the side of the house. The repeated water damage caused rot to the joist, floor, studs and doorway. This damaged area is now being replaced.  The studs had rotten bottoms excised and replaced with new wood, so that it could support the wall and doorway.  The rotted joists were cut off and replaced with new ones.  Additional joists were added in because the accepted construction standards at the time the house was constructed are below current standards. This is the work that has been completed up to this time. It took an hour or so to write this post, it took Mr three whole days to complete the documented work. Perseverance and time are essential ingredients for this project, just skills will not suffice. Here are some photos of the repairs to the damages photographed above.

More renovation and repair on rotten floors, wood etc.

http://shoresidefarmhouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/renovation-of-kitchen-doorway-floor.html