Treating joists before ground floor suspended floor insulation

[lizziecupcakes]

Hi all,
I am preparing my insulation of the ground floor.

Before I do so, I am thinking about treating the joists. Is this a good idea?

If so, what product should I use?

Thank you

 

[fernicarry]

Take them out for a slap-up dinner? The opinion on here is usually overwhelmingly against treating for rot and decay. Personally I'd only do it if there had been a problem (after fixing it, naturally). Tbh that didn't even occur to me after my latest bout of joist repair. Do give them a good inspection particularly where they touch other elements like sleeper or external walls. Make sure they are well clear of any debris that might have built up under the floor, air bricks are clear etc.

If your joist ends go into pockets in the masonry one thing you can do whilst you have access is pack the joist ends with lime mortar. The alkalinity of the lime is hostile to life so reduces the prospect of decay taking hold and it excludes hot, moist air that might be leaking from inside around the edge of the floor that could potentially condense inside the pocket (particularly if a VCL is inhibiting the moisture from leaving in other ways...).

 

[aockenden]

If I wanted to give them extra protection (aside from keeping them dry and ventilated), I'd Yaki Sugi them. Heavy charring with a weed burner followed by a generous slathering of boiled linseed oil.