Discoloration on wood basement floor joists

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4e1e15023e5eb-.jpg

While viewing an 1899 brownstone for potential purchase, was concerned about serious discoloration on the basement floor joists- see photo.  Discoloration was both black and white stains in large random patterns.  But joists seemed solid and not damp. Any idea of what’s causing it and how much of a dealbreaker this is? Would joists need to be replaced?

lapinagile

in Carpenters and Woodworkers 13 years and 11 months ago

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wholesalerbill1 | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Key word(or number) is 1899\. Hell, this could’ve happened 90yrs ago. Get a qualified home inspector to check it out like others have posted.

BHS | 13 years and 11 months ago

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get a home inspector

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Like the others said.  Could be old water damage.  Not a deal breaker.  A beam is a simple replacement.  If you were unaware of that maybe you should bring in a professional inspector.

pigthree | 13 years and 11 months ago

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need to see a better photo.  water can create surface stains that do not compromise the structural integrity of the wood.  should do some poking to the area to see if it is soft or easily dug away.  even if there was a fire, surface charring does not indicate the beam is bad.  same applies, do some poking around.

lots of factors to determine if it is a deal breaker for you.
without knowing specifics, usually replacing a beam is not a big deal.

bowl-of-dicks | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Tough to tell from the picture, but it could be evidence of a fire (surface charring).