MDF gone a bit mouldy in garage. Saveable ?

RobWells · 14th March 2007, 06:02 PM

Hi All,

I've had a load of panels for 2 labhorns in my garage for the last year. Just been out there and the mdf has some mould along its edges. My garage is very dry usually, but I guess a combination of lots of rain outside and the coldness inside has done it. It was fine right up to a week ago.

Is it just a case of bleaching the mould off and bringing the panels indoors to dry out, or is it all firewood ?

I hope it's salvageable as they're meant to be being assembled for the UK diy meet up.

Cheers,

Rob.

RobWells · 14th March 2007, 06:19 PM

A pic. Poor Q camera. Black edges are from laser burn when cutting.

The mould is the whitish stuff.

Ed LaFontaine · 14th March 2007, 06:32 PM

check the thickness with a piece you know is unaffected...look for swelling of the portions that were exposed...particularly those closest to the floor...move them into a location that is dry...if any of the material is suspect test further by installing a screw and trying to pull it out...hth...and good luck

RobWells · 14th March 2007, 07:25 PM

Hi Ed,

There's no swelling that I can see. The stack is sitting on a low table about 1' off the floor. I'll bring it all indoors to dry off, although the garage isn't particularly damp usually. This is the 1st time anythings gone mouldy in there...

I guess I'm worried if the mould spores will get into the mdf itself and cause any problems once the speaker is assembled and painted. Hopefully not. It's not the cost of replacing the mdf thats a problem, its the time I put in doing all the mitres etc. I really don't want to do it all again.

Cheers,

Rob.

auplater · 14th March 2007, 07:39 PM

Rob...

You might try spritzing with 5:1 diluted bleach to kill off the mold b4 drying... multiple bleach & dry maybe... just don't overwet the panels to keep them from swelling....

Sun exposure of the affected areas also will help (or a uv lamp if available)

Good luck...

John L.

ShinOBIWAN · 14th March 2007, 09:22 PM

Hope they're OK Rob, really looking forward to hearing those come July.

The photo is a little hard to make out but Ed's advice sounds sensible to me.

ShinOBIWAN · 14th March 2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobWells

I guess I'm worried if the mould spores will get into the mdf itself and cause any problems once the speaker is assembled and painted. Hopefully not. It's not the cost of replacing the mdf thats a problem, its the time I put in doing all the mitres etc. I really don't want to do it all again.

Cheers,

Rob.

Good point, I think removing the mold and lightly sanding the affected area's will be enough. Paint tends to quite fusy about the surface quality so I wouldn't like to bet money on anything working or not working.

bigboy · 14th March 2007, 11:32 PM

If the pieces are not cut to size, trim the edges off with your table saw and see how deep the mold goes. The edges are most likely to have moisture penetrate so if they are trimmed I would say they are good to go, especially since there is no swelling in thickness.

RobWells · 14th March 2007, 11:39 PM

Thanks for the replies guys...

bigboy,

They're all cut to size so can't trim no more.

Rob.

RobWells · 16th March 2007, 01:51 PM

Well just had a closer look today and some of the bits have developed fine cracks along the edges. Just put 2 whole labhorns, ready to assemble on a big fire in the garden.

Better get some more mdf in.....

Rob.

14th March 2007, 06:02 PM	#1
RobWells diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: UK	MDF gone a bit mouldy in garage. Saveable ? Hi All, I've had a load of panels for 2 labhorns in my garage for the last year. Just been out there and the mdf has some mould along its edges. My garage is very dry usually, but I guess a combination of lots of rain outside and the coldness inside has done it. It was fine right up to a week ago. Is it just a case of bleaching the mould off and bringing the panels indoors to dry out, or is it all firewood ? I hope it's salvageable as they're meant to be being assembled for the UK diy meet up. Cheers, Rob.

14th March 2007, 06:32 PM	#3
Ed LaFontaine ...truth seeker... diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: where the Appalachians rise from the Blue Grass	check the thickness with a piece you know is unaffected...look for swelling of the portions that were exposed...particularly those closest to the floor...move them into a location that is dry...if any of the material is suspect test further by installing a screw and trying to pull it out...hth...and good luck __________________ ...call me Ed...Special Ed... EnABL kit http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/swap-meet/119852-enabl-kit.html DCB1 parts http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/swap-...ml#post2361098

14th March 2007, 07:39 PM	#5
auplater diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: KyOhWVa tristate	moldy mdf Rob... You might try spritzing with 5:1 diluted bleach to kill off the mold b4 drying... multiple bleach & dry maybe... just don't overwet the panels to keep them from swelling.... Sun exposure of the affected areas also will help (or a uv lamp if available) Good luck... John L. __________________ "...His brain is squirming like a toad..." Jim Morrison

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Garage sale	Moondog55	Multi-Way	0	2nd October 2008 08:52 AM
Garage sale	JensRasmussen	Swap Meet	20	11th July 2007 05:24 AM
Garage Sale	woody	Swap Meet	6	16th November 2006 05:35 PM
garage speakers	regal	Multi-Way	1	24th September 2004 02:28 PM
Garage sale	woody	Swap Meet	1	16th October 2002 12:49 PM


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

14th March 2007, 07:25 PM	#4
RobWells diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: UK	Hi Ed, There's no swelling that I can see. The stack is sitting on a low table about 1' off the floor. I'll bring it all indoors to dry off, although the garage isn't particularly damp usually. This is the 1st time anythings gone mouldy in there... I guess I'm worried if the mould spores will get into the mdf itself and cause any problems once the speaker is assembled and painted. Hopefully not. It's not the cost of replacing the mdf thats a problem, its the time I put in doing all the mitres etc. I really don't want to do it all again. Cheers, Rob.

14th March 2007, 09:22 PM	#6
ShinOBIWAN diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK	Hope they're OK Rob, really looking forward to hearing those come July. The photo is a little hard to make out but Ed's advice sounds sensible to me.

14th March 2007, 11:32 PM	#8
bigboy diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	If the pieces are not cut to size, trim the edges off with your table saw and see how deep the mold goes. The edges are most likely to have moisture penetrate so if they are trimmed I would say they are good to go, especially since there is no swelling in thickness.

14th March 2007, 11:39 PM	#9
RobWells diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: UK	Thanks for the replies guys... bigboy, They're all cut to size so can't trim no more. Rob.

16th March 2007, 01:51 PM	#10
RobWells diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: UK	Well just had a closer look today and some of the bits have developed fine cracks along the edges. Just put 2 whole labhorns, ready to assemble on a big fire in the garden. Better get some more mdf in..... Rob.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read