### Wood Moisture Content

Wood moisture content is an important factor to consider when building or maintaining wooden structures. It is the amount of water vapor present in the wood, expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of the wood. Wood that is too wet is susceptible to rot and decay, while wood that is too dry is brittle and prone to cracking.

### At What Moisture Content Does Mold Grow on Wood?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments. It can begin to grow on wood when the moisture content reaches **20%**. As the moisture content increases, the likelihood of mold growth increases.

### Signs of Mold Growth on Wood

There are several signs that can indicate the presence of mold growth on wood:

* **Discoloration:** Mold growth can cause wood to appear black, green, or white.
* **Musty odor:** Mold produces a musty odor that can be noticeable when you enter a room with moldy wood.
* **Warping or buckling:** Mold can cause wood to warp or buckle.
* **Degradation:** Mold can weaken wood and cause it to rot or decay.

### How to Prevent Mold Growth on Wood

There are several things you can do to prevent mold growth on wood:

* **Control moisture levels:** Keep the moisture content of wood below 20% by using proper ventilation, dehumidifiers, and moisture barriers.
* **Use mold-resistant materials:** Use wood treated with mold-resistant chemicals or paint that contains mold inhibitors.
* **Clean and maintain wood surfaces:** Regularly clean wood surfaces with a mild soap and water solution to remove any moisture or debris that could support mold growth.

### Moisture Mapping

Moisture mapping is a technique used to identify areas of high moisture content in wood structures. It can be performed using a variety of methods, such as:

* **Moisture meters:** Moisture meters measure the electrical resistance of wood to determine its moisture content.
* **Infrared cameras:** Infrared cameras detect heat variations that can indicate areas of high moisture content.
* **Thermal imaging:** Thermal imaging uses heat patterns to identify areas of high moisture content.

Moisture mapping can be used to:

* **Identify sources of moisture intrusion:** Moisture mapping can help pinpoint areas where water is leaking into the wood structure.
* **Monitor mold growth:** Moisture mapping can be used to track the progress of mold growth and assess the effectiveness of mold remediation efforts.
* **Plan remediation strategies:** Moisture mapping can help determine the best course of action for remediating mold growth.