brown spots on spackling

[zuiderveld]

The strangest thing is going on in my new addition. Last Saturday a contractor came in to hang sheetrock. On Monday the spacklers came and put on the first coat of compound. Wednesday they added a second coat. Today (Friday) we noticed that brown sticky spots are developing on the spackled areas only in one room.

My first instinct tells me that it is some kind of fungus. Does anybody have any input on what is causing these spots. I am concerned about the health of my family if this indeed is a fungus problem. I would also be interested in learning what may have caused the fungus to develop and how to get rid of it.

 

[bimr]

Probably a mold. Let the room dry out and spray the mold with a chlorine solution.

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/HOUS2/MF2141.PDF

http://www.lrs911.com/LRS/mold_and_mildew_definition.htm

http://www.wondermakers.com/Articles/Stachybotrys Overview.pdf

 

[dicksewerrat]

Did you see mold, mildew on the studs or inside the outside wall before the drywall went up?

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com

 

[zuiderveld]

I don't think it is mold. It is only showing up on in the compound that was used on water resistant sheetrock. The easiest way to describe it looks like somebody splashed coffee on the spackled areas after they were done putting it on.

 

[bimr]

It is difficult to ascertain what you are talking about with the limited descriptions that you have posted.

For what it's worth, I have observed mold growing on drywall compound in the bucket. Mold will also grow in as little time as a day.

Also, you should be awaree that drywall compound is available with a tint. Some drywall finishers use the tinted drywall compound after application of the initial taping. The tinting of the compound helps one to be able to see what how much compound that you are putting. The tinted drywall compound is kind of a yellowish color. However, drwyall compound is not sticky.

Suggest you get the drywall finishers back for consultation.

 

[Ron]

You mentioned that the spots were brown and sticky. I would have thought mold as well, but the "sticky" comment leads me elsewhere.

It could be a chemical reaction either within the compound or exacerbated by the application onto a treated material. Assuming the compound is a latex enhanced or water based material, you could be seeing a reaction result called "saponification". This occurs in latex materials when they revert to their "soap-like" chemistry.

 

[boo1]

steel tools left in the spackling compound will rust....

 

[jheidt2543]

You could cut a section out, put it in a zip-lock baggie and send it in to the compound manufacturer. I'll bet they could have an answer for you in a few days.

Your concern over mold is a valid one, but also, will the area be able to hold paint without bleeding through. I'm sure the contractor would like to know. There should not be a cost for having this done by the manufacturer.