Mold on Wood Structural Buildings
Most homeowners are very familiar with mold and its damaging effects to property. Different types of building materials are affected by mold in one way or another. The impact on these construction materials primarily depends on their water absorption rate.
Some building materials are more susceptible to mold effects than others. Mold removal methods also differ depending on the type of material and the extent of damage caused by the mold on that particular material.
Mold on Wooden Structural Elements
Over the years, wood has proved to be a common building material that is widely used in the construction of different types of structures. Wood is used in many stages during the erection of residential houses, business premises, schools, and markets among others. However, wood is considered to be among the most affected building materials by the molds.
Wood acts as a source of food as well as a source of moisture because it can absorb and store water. For this reason, mold thrives very well on wooden surfaces. The effects may be slow, but with time the wooden structures get destroyed by mold because they are consumed.
How to identify growth mold on wooden structural building?
It is very easy to spot the growth of mold on the wooden structures. In the early stages, the mold begins growing as black spots on the wood but eventually form large colonies. The black or greyish patches are usually visible on walls, wooden floor finishes, furniture, and other wooden equipment in the house.
Odor
This is a straightforward way of determining whether there is the growth of mold inside or outside your wooden building. Mold has a musty, stale smell that cannot be ignored since it triggers allergic reactions in people occupying that particular building. If you sniff growth of mold in your building take it off before it becomes a real nightmare.
Respiratory Complications
Poor health symptoms may also be a clear indication that there is the growth of mold in your wooden building. Mold has adverse health effects of occupants of mold-infested wooden buildings because it has mycotoxins that affect the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Apart from that, it is known to trigger asthmatic attacks.
It is advisable to inspect for the growth of mold in your wooden building if you have had cases of water leaks or water intrusion in the recent past. Leaky roofs or pipes contribute to high levels of moisture in your building which in turn promotes the growth of mold, especially in the overlooked places in the building.
How Do I Eliminate Mold From My Wooden Building?
Installing Dehumidifiers
The use of dehumidifiers in the elimination of mold is effective and yields results in the shortest time possible. Dehumidifier controls and maintains desirable levels of moisture in buildings. In cases of wooden structural buildings, dehumidification is done using residential dehumidifiers.
These appliances work by drawing in moisture from the air inside the building as well as from the wood structures. The moisture is condensed and collected as liquid water in a small tank. Residential dehumidifiers are quick, convenient, and user-friendly. There is no special installation required, and the energy costs are meager.
Getting Rid Of Existing Mold Growth
Another way of ensuring that your wooden structural building is mold-free is by cutting out large mold growths. The mold may grow as thread-like structures that cover the building especially if there is a high level of moisture around that part of the building. Once you notice them, you should cut and scrub away the thread-like structures before they spread to the whole building.
Water Proofing Your Home
You can also reseal your building. Underground moisture sometimes works its way up your wooden building through the walls and within no time reaches every part of the building if it goes unchecked. This moisture contributes heavily to the growth and spread of mold. You can use a variety of sealants in the market to curb the mold effects caused by the humidity. There are wall and floor sealants that come in different strength levels, so you choose the one that befits your needs.
Proper Ventilation
Lastly, make sure there is adequate ventilation in your wooden structural building. This can be done by running fans and opening doors and windows widely so that air can freely move in and out of the building. Your daily routine activities like washing, cooking or taking showers could result in high levels of moisture that encourages the growth of mold. Hence it is very critical that you provide proper ventilation to your wooden building.
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