In a 1760s timber-framed house I recently worked on, the first floor structural framing had a common problem: Nearly all of the first-floor framing members had seriously deteriorated. Surface fungal decay and insect damage were typical on most joists and girders. But while this damage was widespread, the framing members still had substantial strength. Condition Assessment The owner wanted us to assess the situation Ñ to make sure the deterioration had stopped and that the framing members were still strong enough to carry their loads. He expressed a strong sense of stewardship in caring for this historic building. He wanted to be sure that any action we took now would have a positive effect 100 years or more into the future. Avoid the
