Expert Opinion on Timbers

jonathanbi · Jun 23, 2025 2:02 am

Hey Everyone,

I need some expert advise on this.

My builder said these frames don’t need to be replaced, and is structurally sound. He is using Hynes Timber.

These timber’s have mould, and stains all over.

Appreciate any help.

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Ashington Homes · Jun 23, 2025 6:13 am

Hey Jonathan

I downloaded the photo and zoomed in.

It's hard to give an accurate opinion without actually viewing the studs or getting a better quality photo. But from what I can see is they look very very wet. They are soaking up all the water off the floor.

It is hard to see how much mould is on them.

So here is the steps we take if we get a lot of water on one of our builds and what I would do if I were you:

1. Get a wet vac ( you can buy an OZITO or RYOBI cheaply from bunnings). Vacuum up as much water as you can.

2. if your frames don't dry out in a couple of days hire a room heater from from kenards and run it for 24-48 hours

3. You can then assess how bad the mould is. I would get a 5L container of pool chlorine and spray bottle and apply to the mouldy sections liberally. There are other more expensive solutions like air blasting but chlorine or another product called ZINSSER work well and are cheaper.

4. If that doesn't fix the issue replace the worst parts of the frames. It shouldn't cost too much money

All the best

Simeon

BuildingandLegal · Jun 23, 2025 9:29 pm

Could you send me the images you have taken "All" of them! Sorry Simeon, DO NOT TREAT THE MOULD WITH CHLORINE!! it creates much bigger problems.
The plaster on the other side of the wall, what room is that lining?
The water, was it due to an extended rain event? or ground seepage? what occurred for this to happen.
Is it localised to the garage only.
I would strongly advise the builder in writing (emails fine but CC a copy to yourself on a secondary email as confirmation it was sent If you can select to receive a delivery & read receipt, even better). Advise the builder this is a health and safety issue and that you require written confirmation on how they intend to address the potential of encasing mould into the frame and wall cavity. DO THIS TONIGHT. Request the builder respond within 5 business days commencing the day after emailing the request.

Craig

Ashington Homes · Jun 24, 2025 5:08 pm

BuildingandLegal

Could you send me the images you have taken "All" of them! Sorry Simeon, DO NOT TREAT THE MOULD WITH CHLORINE!! it creates much bigger problems.
The plaster on the other side of the wall, what room is that lining?
The water, was it due to an extended rain event? or ground seepage? what occurred for this to happen.
Is it localised to the garage only.
I would strongly advise the builder in writing (emails fine but CC a copy to yourself on a secondary email as confirmation it was sent If you can select to receive a delivery & read receipt, even better). Advise the builder this is a health and safety issue and that you require written confirmation on how they intend to address the potential of encasing mould into the frame and wall cavity. DO THIS TONIGHT. Request the builder respond within 5 business days commencing the day after emailing the request.

Craig

Craig,

you are correct. I will take an L on that one

Cheers

Simeon