Nashville homeowners are not always aware of the water damage risks to their property. They understand the dangers of flooding and burst pipes, but water can also damage a home in hidden ways that are difficult to detect. Wood, for example, is a commonly used material in Nashville homes, and when it becomes exposed to moisture, it can develop a variety of hidden issues. Mold growth is a common result of water intrusion into wood, posing a severe health risk to all occupants. In this article, you will learn how to safely get rid of mold on wood and identify it before it becomes a serious problem.
Why Mold Grows on Wood
Wood is a porous material, which means it absorbs and retains water easily. Once exposed to moisture, the water particles soak into the fibers and remain trapped beneath the surface. Even when wood looks dry, it can still be wet underneath. However, the prolonged damp environment is ideal for mold. Mold spores will land on wet surfaces to reproduce and grow. Depending on the level of moisture, it can take at least 48 hours of moisture for mold to develop, and that number can vary.
How to Identify Mold on Wood Surfaces
Mold tends to display similar characteristics or signs across different areas and materials. Homeowners can learn the signs of mold on wooden surfaces to perform routine inspections of their own homes. Early detection is key to preventing structural damage and a loss of air quality. Here are a few ways Nashville homeowners can recognize mold growth.
- Black, green, or white patches form on the wood grain.
- Musty odors around affected areas.
- Soft or discolored wood indicates deeper moisture.
- Warping or swelling in certain areas suggests moisture may have been present.
Preparing the Area for Safe Mold Removal
Removing or cleaning mold without the proper safety materials can put your health at risk. Disturbing mold releases spores into the air, which you can inhale. This can lead to skin and eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, headaches, or allergies.
Cleaning mold safely involves wearing gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear. You should also ensure that there is proper ventilation with open windows and fans. However, be careful not to spread mold spores into other areas of the house. Instead, isolate the work area to prevent mold spores from easily flowing into another nearby room. Taking preventative measures helps protect the health of the occupants and prevents future contamination.
Cleaning Mold from Wood the Right Way
When it comes to the question of how to get rid of mold on wood, there are many steps involved. Not only do you want to remove the mold on the wood, but you also want to do it safely while also preventing regrowth. Using harsh chemicals may seem like a great idea. However, they can worsen the situation by damaging wood fibers that are still intact. Here are some steps to follow to remove mold from wood safely.
- Use proper safety gear to protect yourself.
- Isolate and ventilate the area.
- Vacuum loose spores using a HEPA vacuum.
- Clean the area with a mild detergent or wood-safe cleaner.
- Wipe and dry the surface thoroughly to prevent regrowth and other forms of water damage.
Knowing When Wood Needs Repair or Replacement
Because wood is porous and moisture can saturate multiple layers, it’s difficult to know if the material is in good condition after mold is removed. Understanding the source of the water intrusion can be essential to identifying how extensive the damage is.
Saturated wood weakens over time if not properly addressed. In some cases, wooden materials were cleaned and dried quickly enough to remain structurally sound. However, in extreme cases of damage, replacement may be necessary. Here are a few factors to consider when determining if the wood should be repaired or replaced after cleaning.
- Mold returning after cleaning indicates deeper penetration.
- Soft, crumbling, or structurally weak wood must be replaced.
- Large areas of mold suggest hidden moisture issues.
- The contamination level of the water leak source.
When to Call a Professional Mold Remediation Service
It’s always recommended to look for expert help when mold growth is severe or discovered in hard-to-reach areas. Mold can be a sign of extensive water damage and shouldn’t be taken lightly, even in mild circumstances. Professionals understand how to properly get rid of mold on wood and can do so rapidly. They often also ensure that other forms of water damage are taken care of as well. While homeowners can attempt to handle mold removal from wood themselves, there are a few instances in which expert help becomes necessary.
- Mold covers large areas or multiple rooms.
- Mold growth is inside walls, subfloors, or crawlspaces.
- Family members experience respiratory symptoms.
Work with Nashville Water Damage Professionals for Efficient Mold Removal
Water intrusion requires urgent attention to stop and prevent damage to your home. That’s why at ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration by GM, we make ourselves available 24/7 to be there whenever you need us.
Our Nashville-based team is highly trained and experienced in water damage restoration and proper mold removal. We work quickly to put a stop to the source of the water leak, remove standing water from your home, and identify hidden intrusions that are doing damage behind the scenes. We can even help you navigate the insurance claims process to help reduce stress during the recovery process.
Our top priority is to restore your home to its pre-loss condition, and we work diligently to make that goal a reality. Contact ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration by GM today for trusted professional support!
