In the middle of a job that some water damage occured and rotted the subfloor, underlayment, floor joists, and mildewed the outside bands (some rot on the outside bands ). If I have to take out the outside bands to replace them- the job doubles in size (because of wall bracing etc.)
Homeowner, a personal friend would like to save $.
I can make it structurally sound by replacing the worst of the outter band and sistering a PT band to it. This PT band would actually also be under the bottom plate and support the wall.
My main concern is the mildew. Because it is sealed under a house by plywood and resilient floor, is it less likely to cause a health hazard? Would spraying the mildewed wood with clorox or some other mixture help the situation? Is this even something to worry about?
Recently read that Ed McMahon is suing because there was mildew left in his home from a pipe bursting situation. Claims it caused severe health problems.
What say you?
I look down my nose at people who dare to look down their nose at people.
Replies
The way I heard it, Ed was awarded 27 million on a 25 million house.
That means I can't afford to advise you on this
Just trying to keep this post visible so that someone might respond.
I look down my nose at people who dare to look down their nose at people.
Pete,
Down here in Louisiana our state flower is mildew. Pretty harmless, just ugly. Some of the other fungi are a hazard. You can kill with bleach temporarily or use one of the borates (Timbor) for lasting control. Once the MC goes below 18% the fungi quit growing.
KK
I have repaired many homes in Oklahoma that had been flooded and later moved. I found that mildewed plates, joists and bands could be treated by saturating them with plain old anit-freeze. Spray it on thick. cover the ground with a vapor barrier, and make sure the area is ventilated.