Rotten. Spoiled and Rotten.

It's not surprising to come across rotten wood in a timber framed building the age of the Yeaton House. In fact, it's to be expected.  The level of decay in the floor where the two first floor bathrooms were installed, however, is catastrophic!  It was clear there is a moisture issue from the softness, sometimes described as punchy, of the floor boards.  After Dan started to lift floor boards, it became clear he had a big project on his hands. 

Dan in the basement, peaking up through the open cavity in the floor.

The beam between the two back bathrooms and the parlor is completely rotten and will be replaced in-kind.  

 

 

 

 

 

The extent of the rot makes saving the beam impossible.

The top floor and sub floor were both removed to get to the beam.  You can see right down into the basement.

 To start the process, Dan lifted up all of the floor boards on either side of the wall and removed the dado.  Incidentally, he discovered that the back wall is free-standing and not tied into the frame.  The wall is supported by a beam keeping the wall together, then held in place with a wedge and two supporting poles.  Dan can then remove the rotten beam, and replace it with a new one.

A supporting wedge holds the wall in place while Dan works.

The dado was removed for the duration of the project so it is safe and out of the way.  It will be put back when the beam and flooring is replaced. 

The dado will stay safe on the other side of the room while the work is done.

 We'll post pictures of the new beam and floor when they arrive!