Is this mold?

Ron Bishop · 04-12-2007, 07:42 AM

Is the white powdery residue in this photo mold? No moisture was present at time of inspection.

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**Scott Patterson** · 04-12-2007, 07:45 AM

Don't know. I would say it is a leak of some type. It looks like efflorescence, possible from a sink, toilet, tub, washing machine, etc. Salts/minerals from water.

Ron Bishop · 04-12-2007, 07:48 AM

Thank you Scott

**Jerry Peck** · 04-12-2007, 02:56 PM

Mold?

Well, *it is* "fungi".

And "mold" is "fungi".

But I would not want to go start chasing that "mold" dog down.

That "fungi" (it is a "fungus") is likely damaging the wood, did you jab your screw drive into the wood?

If the wood is soft and damaged, then it is a 'structural' problem/

**Nick Ostrowski** · 04-12-2007, 04:36 PM

How did it taste?

**BARRY ADAIR** · 04-15-2007, 06:32 AM

"If the wood is soft and damaged, then it is a 'structural' problem/"

The problem was present befor it got wet, NO joist hanger present.

Greg D. Dames · 04-23-2008, 09:34 AM

Ron - Were you able to isolate where the water source was coming from.
I don't believe that the white power is mold I think that Scot has aim on what your seeing. Although the darker sections maybe supporting some dormant fungal activity especially if the woods moisture level is as your indicating dry 12% and below.

The water source may have had something in it that has left the white residue or crystals (salt?)

It appears very different than the plaster residue that we see on the subfloor framing on older homes.

Regards
Greg D. Dames
National ThermoGraphic Inspections
Pacific Mold Assessment

**Gunnar Alquist** · 04-23-2008, 01:35 PM

Ron,

Is there tile above? Might be minerals like Scott said.

Ron Bibler · 04-23-2008, 02:02 PM

Looks like a past water stain from a shower or bath room.
What is the location?

Best

Ron

**Raymond Wand** · 04-23-2008, 08:33 PM

Without testing who knows?

These stains could be the result of the leak causing break down of the glues in the plywood.

**Steven Turetsky** · 04-24-2008, 04:46 AM

Ditto post #4.

**Markus Keller** · 04-24-2008, 08:01 PM

Without testing no one knows for sure.
Beyond that, the picture is very typical of plywood that has been soaked with water, dried and re-soaked repeatedly over time. I've seen this often.
What it is isn't as important as noting the damage and possible consequences in your report.
Good luck.