I am working on the trim inside a closet. When I removed it, it had what looked like tar on the surface. It has also leaked out of the wall. This is a 60 year old house and I assumed it was roofing tar that had found its way inside. When I went to scrape it off with a chisel, it started to smoke but only when in contact with the chisel.
I’m at a loss at what this might be. Does anyone have any ideas? Where can I send it to be tested? I’ve posted a photo of the inside of the closet.
Thanks,
Bill
Replies
I suppose it could be creosote from a chimney. Also could be pine tar from a huge knot. I'm not so sure you are seeing smoke, probably its dust, so that makes me think of pine tar being more likely. Roofing tar would likely be gummy, no smoke.
Yes, I have seen on occasion a black substance which turns to fine dust when you touch it. Never bothered to investigate, since it was generally in framing I was tearing out of an old house, or some such.
(I'm vaguely recalling that my impression at the time was that this was some sort of insect residue, eg, from the nest of a bee or wasp.)
Old dried honey from bees is definately a possibility. I don't think wasps make honey, but possibly their nests are made of something like it.
Double post.
Hashish
No doubt about it.
inspired by a different thread
pretty soon dn will be along with advice on which type of chemical or biological engineer to hire to have the substance analyzed to make sure the entire town does not die since you have now exposed the substance to the air
-- where there is smoke, there is fire?