Problems with floor joists/main beams on conventional slab

[Dawne]

I have a 20 year old home that is built on a conventional slab. Last night, I lost water pressure and went under to find out what the problem was and was shocked. :eek:

First, I notice a black fungus with white flakes on the floor joists and the main beam. Then, I look closer and got very worried. The floor joists and even the main beam have rotted away. They are splintered and just falling away. The whole underside is going to have to be replaced - main beams, floor joists, everything.

What could have caused this problem? How do I prevent it from happening again?

The other thing is, I don't even know how the house is going to be jacked up to repair the problem because of the damage.

[Pulpo]

Its time for a structural engineers report ASAP.

Call some builders a see what they suggest for fixing it.

Even if you were going the DIY route structural engineers [civil engineers] and or building consultants will be able to point you in the right direction.

I'm sure there would be some way of supporting the bearers and joists temporarily otherwise the house would have fallen off the footings.

Ahh that low water pressure is almost no longer a problem.

As to what's rotting the timber, no idea, termites or moistures quite high.

Never been to Mississippi so I really do not have any idea, I'm in Sydney Australia.

Good Luck

Pulpo