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Mold - new construction

5 years ago

We are building a home. The process of getting it out of the weather took longer than the contractor wanted. He thinks we should spray the boards down to prevent the spreading of mold. This costs $1000. Is there something else I can do? Maybe a mixture we can make oursleves to spray on the boards?

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Comments (5)

opaone
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
We've a similar problem. From what I'm learning you cannot kill mold that is growing in wood and the wood must be replaced. There is apparently nothing deadly to mold that will penetrate wood pores where mold is rooted so once there it will always grow back.

Other thread: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/mold-during-framing-dsvw-vd~5511456?n=6
robin0919
5 years ago
Removing mold from wood.....

https://www.bing.com/search?q=wood+mold+removing&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=wood+mold+removing&sc=8-18&sk=&cvid=9CA3EB94576F40A0A0333121F432750F
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Some amount of mold and mildew should be expected on lumber in a stick-built home which is exposed to the weather throughout the rough framing. Once the home is "dried in" it's a matter of getting the moisture content of the framing to a level that won't support mold/mildew growth. Some builders accelerate the drying process with industrial type dehumidifiers. A home should be sufficiently dry to preclude mold and mildew growth on the drywall. The HVAC system should be operational before installing interior trim, hardwood flooring and cabinetry. I would not expect to see mold/mildew on any of those. Basements are problematic. First, water is an ingredient in mortar and concrete which cure over time and release moisture. Second, basements tend not to call for air conditioning and thus get no dehumidification unless a dedicated dehumidifier is installed as Worthy noted above. The mold and mildew on what appears from your photos to be a cabinet interior would be a concern to me.
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David Cary
5 years ago
Where do you live?

Is there visible mold?

Mold is everywhere - it needs the right conditions to grow. $1000 might be good insurance not that it really ensures anything.

I was forced to learn a bit about this after hurricane Florence. Elimination is not really possible short of removing wood. That isn't really necessary but what your local situation is hard to know from the internet.
jmm1837
5 years ago
If this is just mold on the framing, I'm not sure it's anything to worry about. Mold needs a continuous source of moisture to survive, so if the house dries out, you have good humidity control, and there are no on-going leaks, it'll be gone.

Here's a discussion:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/is-this-mold-on-framing-lumber-dsvw-vd~5414245?n=11
opaone
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I'm still learning in order to deal with our own mold issues. But high level what I've gathered so far.

- There are different kinds of molds, some less harmful (and non-harmful) than others. Different forms of black mold are generally considered the most harmful or nusiance though that's apparently not a finite statement. Health impacts can range from minor to severe and from minor annoyances like coughing to debilitating muscle and joint problems. Some people are nearly immune to mold issues, others can get sick easily. Many people become more susceptible to mold as they age. This particularly for those who don't get enough fresh air or spend time out of doors to keep a strong immune system, or get enough physical activity to maintain a healthy body.

- Mold in framing is potentially a very serious issue. Wall cavities frequently and in most geographies have enough moisture in them to support a vigorous growth of mold. Moisture content is particularly high during the first 2 or 3 years after a new house or renovation is built but often remains high enough to support aggressive mold growth for the life of the structure.

- Once mold begins to grow in any type of porous material it is nearly impossible to eradicate with removal of the growth medium (E.G., wood) the best option. Chemicals that purport to kill mold in wood have not proven to do so as the particles in the chemicals that kill mold are too large to penetrate to where the roots of the mold are. Chemicals can kill the surface mold but given time the mold will grow back from the roots.

- Mold spores are not killed by extreme cold or extreme dryness. They will survive for years and as soon as warmth and moisture return will regenerate and begin growing. Mold spores are killed only by high heat, typically above 160°f for 2 hrs.

- The best way to prevent mold in framing is to dry the structure in as quickly and fully as possible. As soon as portions of framing are no longer receiving sunlight on a regular basis then the potential for mold growth in wet areas increases significantly.

- Be wary of 'mold experts' offering analysis or remediation.

- We (society, science, healthcare folk) are increasingly finding diseases that are caused by unhealthy indoor environments with mold spores in these environments very frequently a problematic source.

- Scientists and health folk are still learning.

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