Mold On Wood And What To Do About It

If you have water and construction materials in contact, you’re eventually going to have a problem. However, there are differences in issues that can crop up.

For instance, when building a new home, if exposed to rainfall and other moisture sources, lumber will naturally show some signs of mildew, which is normal. So long as it is cleaned off and not covered up while wet, nothing bad will come of it.

However, if you have wet lumber or drywall in a built home or building (think flooded basement) you need to take some additional steps since it is much more likely that there is areas that are not being dried or that are wet and covered up.

Wet Wood – What To Do?

First off, how does this happen? The University of Tennessee has this to say about it:

Molds produce millions of microscopic spores that can be carried in the air. If these spores land on the surface of wood (or other materials), and conditions are right, then a new growth of mold will result. Mold spores are all around us and in the air that we breathe. High concentrations of mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The best way to prevent or stop mold from growing on wood is to keep the surface of the wood dry. This means that bathrooms, kitchens and basements should be well ventilated. Existing mold can be removed by washing with water, and bleach or detergents can be used to eliminate discolorations. Unfortunately, if the conditions for mold growth remain, new spores will land on the wood and fresh mold will grow. Mold on Wood

So, like we were saying, it’s not always a reason to be alarmed, but it needs to be dealt with quickly. Ignoring the problem means that it is much more likely that mold will regrow and cause problems. Not only can it pose a health risk, but it can also weaken lumber and other building materials.

As far as covering up materials that are not dry – it’s just something you don’t want to do. Additionally, when working with a house that has experienced a water problem like a flooded basement or backed up pipe, you need to make sure you expose all areas to air flow to allow them to completely dry:

Mold and mildew usually not a threat to lumber – unless you cover it

You do not want to cover up this contaminated wood. It needs to be cleaned before any insulation is installed. Never cover this stained wood with drywall or paneling. Anyone with asthma or other respiratory challenges could suffer from the hidden spores.

It doesn’t take long for wood to air dry, especially once the roof is on and there are high-performance vapor barriers in place in crawlspaces and under concrete slabs. Don’t be fooled by a builder that says the wood will dry out on it’s own in the wall. With vapor barriers in place on walls, and sometimes ceilings, it’s very hard to get wood to dry out. Mold and mildew usually not a threat to lumber — unless you cover it before it’s dry – Chicago Tribune

Do you have any water or mold damage issues? If so, contact us today for assistance. Origin Water Pros services all areas of the United States: http://originwaterpros.com/service-locations/

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