Mold on framing lumber!

Submitted by nathanetech t3_zxlcha in DIY

I’m building an office in my back yard and noticed some mold spots on my framing lumber on places not yet closed in. I’ve been trying to get it off (vinegar, borax, scrubbing), but have so far been unsuccessful.

Should I worry about this or just go ahead with closing it in? Some of the things I’ve read suggest that it’s ok to close in as long as the lumber isn’t wet when I close it in.

1

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

ichbineinschweinhund t1_j212ewm wrote

Just sand it lightly. This is not a big deal. Mold needs water to grow and there's precious little of that in kiln dried lumber.

8

[deleted] t1_j216lqf wrote

Spray with anti microbial and close it up

1

LogtossinJohn t1_j21gvfm wrote

Get it dried in and out of the weather.

Remediate after that if you want. Id definitely let it dry before sheetrock or whatever youre planning to close it in.

1

3_of_7 t1_j21lr6g wrote

Bleach is your friend.

3

decalsocal1 t1_j21no56 wrote

One cup bleach per gallon of water if you feel you must treat it. Keep the solution away from fasteners if it is framed. A remaining stain on lumber is not an indication of live spores. Not all biological growth produces mycotoxins. You didn't say when the presence of biological growth appeared or describe the environmental conditions. In any case,provide as much control moisture as is practical. How you take care of the lumber from the time it is on site through when it is enclosed is important. Allow for air circulation and don't enclose it in your wall or roof assemblies if moisture content is 18% or higher. Typically, in SoCal we break down stacks right away when using green lumber (19% or more at the mill) or rip through it really fast. Once framed, it doesn't get drywall until it is less than 15%. Read up on this issue at the APA, WWPA, or at Weyerhaeuser, Georgia Pacific if you need technical references. Good luck.

4

buildyourown t1_j22589o wrote

Once the structure is dried in the wood will dry out and this wont be an issue

1

Lextashsweet t1_j22s0ok wrote

Are you sure it's mold? Some p ine have green running through it and its not mold.

1

Sorry_Comparison691 t1_j2332d1 wrote

I would use strong tie connectors around the stud you are concerned about. The flat ones you can screw in on the sides on the stud. And then cut the mold out and spray what remains with bleach. That way you will 100% be set. You will likely be set doing nothing but this will give you complete confidence in what remains.

−1