Replies

1. 
   debarker | Nov 12, 2002 04:28am | #1

   ANY mold can be a heck of an allergin : you gotta get it outta there. Is it black mold / it's the worst ? Generally any mold can be killed with a mild bleach solution : but if mold spores are in the air and the right conditions exist it will be back. Most mold likes moisture : I bet you've got a low airflow sirtuation in there with lots of damp air : is there any way to increase airflow ? this seems like your only option / can you remove trees blocking sun and increase solar passive heating ? (without heat you wont get rid of the moisture by dropping relative humidity by raising the temperature) . Good luck : this is a real health issue and a major pain to tackle effectively.

1. 
   AWilke2 | Nov 13, 2002 02:06am | #4

   Tkanks for the response, airflow and sun loght are not an option. I am considering a portable UV for the air borne spore which I think will clean up the air, but I need to get rid of the source. After I posted the msg (ffirst time) I found the search engine and there was a lot of info, almost all comes back to a form of chlorine. My growth is definatly black. The other problem is any dwelling that is not heated to a controlled climate of temp and humidity passes thru dew point several times a day. With wood heat, I am sure that there is an ideal habitat for growth. This all points to a serious clean-up and than a maint. program.  Any suggestions on a clean up product?

   Thanks

   A Wilke

   Monroe, WI 

1. 
   debarker | Nov 13, 2002 02:38am | #5

   I had another thought on this : when you built the cabin how air tight did you make it ? Modern building practices point to an air tight structure for energy costs / kind of pointless if it isn't going to be heated . The point is if it is wrapped, and uses new windows (and heaven help you if its insulated) it's probably WAY to air tight for a non-HVAC'ed structure. This will defintiley create a mold-friendly set of conditions......

1. 
   AWilke2 | Nov 13, 2002 06:56pm | #6

   Actually, I left the bldg fairly loose to allow the use of a cast iron wood stove. Cabin is 16 X 24 with 1/2" insulated shtg (black fiber product) under the verticle cedar siding. The roof system in visible pine boards, 1/2" insul shtg, 1/2" CDX and shingles. All windows are SSG sash.  I am still thinking about your comment on bandsawn lumber and mildew. I believe I am looking at a problem that I had from the begining.

   Andy

2. 
   rjw | Nov 14, 2002 01:20am | #7

   The EPA website has recently been revised to provide more info on clean up.

   Don't get too worked up about the color; there are a zillion different kinds of molds, all with differing characteristics.

   Talking about black mold is roughly akin to talking about green plants.

   Mold needs 4 things to grow: air, temps between 40 100 degrees (typically) food (and wood is grade A prime for molds) and moisture./

   Control the moisture to control the mold.________________________________________________

   "I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different."  Oscar Wilde

2. 
   TLRice | Nov 21, 2002 04:22pm | #8

   Cutter,

   Not to pick on you personally, but you stated some common misconceptions and semi-facts about mold and fungi. If you or anyone else is interested in factual information about fungi (of which mold is one), look at the applicable article in the current ASHRAE Journal, viewable at their website, http://www.ashrae.org

1. 
   rjw | Nov 21, 2002 05:40pm | #9

   Tim,

   Thanks for that link - ecxcellant!________________________________________________

   "I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different."  Oscar Wilde

2. 
   Piffin | Nov 12, 2002 06:02am | #2

   Scrubbing down with clorine 10% seems to be the recommendation lately. There are other sprays with tannic acid and borates too available commercially.

   I think that bandsawn wood is some of the worst for this. The blade runs through a water bath for cooling so it picks up spores in the bark, grows them in the water, and then spreads them around the surface of the fresh cut wood. Some cutters use chlorine in the water bath.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

   "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are." --Marcus Aurelius

3. 
   sdr25 | Nov 12, 2002 05:22pm | #3

   I've had success with Tilex removing mildew stains. To my ignorance it's probably nothing more than a chlorine bleach solution sold at a much higher price.

   Scott R.
4. 
   Luka | Nov 21, 2002 09:03pm | #10

   Andy,

   Would it be too much to set up a large dehumidifier, and let it run 24/7/365 ?

   Don't bogart the Ghost

   Quittin' Time