Water Under Hardwood Floor Mold

Mold and mildew thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny lightweight spores that travel through.

Water under hardwood floor mold.

A water damaged wood floor can remain above 18 mc for over a month. How much water is too much water damage doesn t have to be severe for mold to grow. After severe water damage it is likely that wood floors will have to be replaced. Homeowners may have a tendency to think that the floor is warping due to faulty installation or that even the wood itself is somehow at fault.

If floors have cupped popped or cracked it may be an indication that the sub floor has experienced water damage as well. Mold is capable of growing on most materials with a relative moisture level of 16 or higher. Visible water damage is a big sign that you may have a mold issue especially if the floor has a spongy strength to it when you walk over it. To dry beneath wood floors which have been flooded first you should remove any wet floor coverings such as rugs or carpet.

Wood is specifically susceptible to mold growth so it is important that you ensure that the floor and the sub floor are completely dry. Clean with clean water in a bucket. Mold begins to grow after 48 hours of water damage occurring. 3 check under the hardwood floorboards.

Hardwood flooring systems are incredibly sensitive to moisture. Next dry the floors completely by pumping out standing water then mop and towel the surface dry. If this has occurred it will also need to be replaced before installing new dry hardwood floor. Unfortunately for your hardwood floors that means they are vulnerable to damage and mold growth underneath them when there has been water or flood damage.

As a hygroscopic material wood will typically absorb or let off moisture until it reaches an equilibrium with its environment. Mold grows on organic materials in environments with high humidity or trapped moisture. Another issue of growing concern is the development of mold or mildew beneath the flooring. Scrub the floor mix a mild detergent and a compatible disinfectant such as mr.

Chances are that the water damage happened a while ago if the floor itself has started to warp. Scrub the entire floor and all related woodwork baseboards stairs and newel posts etc with a stiff brush rinsing the brush frequently in the bucket. Additionally excess moisture can promote the growth of mold and bacteria weakening the wood and creating health hazards when they multiply. Water stains are an indication that water may have set on your wood for far too long.