Yeah, I’m a lurker- owner/builder and now I need specific help. Anyone out there spray bleach or other substance on exposed framing during construction to combat mold growth? How strong? (1:10?) and might this cause other problems? Have a home in framing stage in wet, mild western Washington and noticing black spots developing on framing and sheathing. Doing my best to keep dry but will be a couple months before fully roofed. Of course will get very dry inside before insulating but am concerned about residual effects (health and resale) of mold both real and imagined.
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You've got the right idea, right mix.
Get a garden sprayer and a respiratior to apply. Chlorine vapours no too friendly sometimes. Shouldn't need to worry about chlorine gas though.
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IMHO this whole mold scare thing has gotten out of hand. 30 years ago we called it mildew. The mold spores lay dormant in most wood. When nutrients and most of all water become available these spores grow and multiply rapidly. When the moisture it no longer available the mold dies back but leaves spores behind.
Most dust, dirt and general smutz contains complex populations of these spores. Eliminating the spores is impossible on anything but a very small area for a limited time. The best you can do is suppress the larger outbreaks of mold. If the mold forms large colony a bleach and water spray, you might add just a touch of detergent to help the solution soak into surfaces, will knock them down.
You are on the right track getting things under cover. The sooner things dry out the sooner the active mold will die back. The spores remain but will be dormant. Get the roof on. Get the stacks off the ground, even a few inches will help, cover lumber loosely, you want them to be able to breath, with tarps or plastic and toss any badly infected or stained pieces. Spraying any pieces already nailed on with the solution is a rear guard, stop gap, effort at best.
Mold has been with us for millions of years. It is everywhere. Only very large concentrations or chronic exposure have been proven to be any major threat to normal, health individuals.