How do I determine whether a wood-based product has suffered permanent damage due to high moisture exposure?
Hide In an initial assessment, the key question that must be answered is: Does this appear to be a “mold only” condition, or does it appear to have become a potential decay situation? Mold and mildew cause no structural damage to wood other than unsightly discoloration (3). Mold growing on solid lumber or other structural wood products is most likely a surface contamination issue, not a structural issue, so the product can be cleaned, dried, and used. However, prolonged exposure to high moisture conditions will also support the growth of decay fungi. If there is any evidence of decay, the product should be replaced (17). In all cases, moldy, porous materials such as celing tiles, gypsum wallboard and carpeting should be discarded (10). If the wood is badly decayed, this will generally be quite visible. Two common visual results of decay are a bleached and stringy appearance to the wood, or a darkened surface with cubical cracking. If decay fungi are visible on the surface, the wood has
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