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Expert: - 12/29/2008


Question

soaked wood
My home is under construction (pre-dry wall) in Texas. There has been a water leak in the ground floor shower area which caused water to stagnate on the concrete slab inside the house. This water is soaking the bottom wooden frame for almost a week (the builder knows this and is doing nothing to drain the water). I am worried that the soaked wood would eventually rot and/or end up with mold in future causing problems. What are my options at this point (I can always back out of the contract-but don't want to lose my earnest money since this is not my fault) with regards to fixing this situation without causing a rot/mold in the wood.

Answer
Orshoe--

It's best to keep that floor dry and clean--you're right. But please don't worry about the water at this stage. The water will not hurt the wood as long as it gets a chance to dry out before the sheetrock goes on. The wood framing getting wet during construction is a normal thing.

Wood is impervious to rot as long as it is saturated, and again when it is dry. It is the in-between stages of moisture that encourage rot. If you are still concerned after the floor is dry and you see some mildew, you might spray the surfaces with chlorine bleach once the wood starts to dry, just so that the mold is killed before the drywall goes on.

If you are allowed onto the job site after the work hours, you can help out by cleaning up and sweeping water puddles. I know I always appreciate any help cleaning and sweeping during the construction process.  Talk to your builder about your concerns before they turn into a major obstacle in your business relationship.

The framing will be fine once the water is swept away.

--Daniel  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for the quick and detailed response. I will talk to the builder with your suggestions. Appreciate your help.


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Daniel Humphrey

Expertise

I can answer questions about designing and building homes and outbuildings, especially for colder climates. I am expert in timber framing, but of course I also know about other kinds of residential construction techniques and materials. Because of my emphasis on using local materials and organic alternatives, I know quite about about Green Building and am willing to do the research to find out more.

Experience

I've been a timber framer for 20 years, working as a general contractor who designs and builds custom timberframe homes, working as much as possible with local organic materials, from foundation to finish. I also have expertise in designing, building, and setting up pre-fab remote camp facilities on terra firma or temperate glaciers for research and expeditions, using helicopters for support.

Education/Credentials
B.A., M.F.A.

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