How do I know if my subfloor has mold?

Even if you have access to professional moisture detection meters, subfloor mold can be difficult to discover. Perhaps the easiest means of detecting a subfloor mold problem are seeing discoloration on vinyl flooring, warping or distortion in areas of flooring, or the presence of malodors.

How do you check for mold in a subfloor?

Pay attention to strong, musty smells. Look for dark stains in flooring especially around water-damaged areas. Pull up several floorboards or a 1-foot square of carpet and padding. Use a flashlight to inspect the subfloor for signs of mold.

How do you tell if there is mold under floorboards?

For the most part, the sight of ghastly mould patches is the best way to confirm its presence. However, mould thrives in the dark, warm, and moist recessed areas of your home, such as under the floorboards. In such instances, these signs can help you confirm the presence of mould under the flooring.

Do you have to replace moldy subfloor?

The moldy subfloor must also be removed and replaced. Particular care must be taken when cutting into moldy wood because the process sends mold spores flying into the air. Moldy wood removed from the subfloor should be enclosed in double plastic bags before it is carried through the house.

How do you get mold out of subfloor?

Treat and scrub the wooden flooring with fresh borax solution, if applicable. Wet the moldy boards and wait about 10 minutes before treating. Work over top of the subfloor - excess solution will merely add to that engaging the mold on the subfloor. Apply a second, lighter coat of fresh borax water and scrub again.

Floor Water Damage Repair | Repair or Replace?

How can you tell if mold is under vinyl flooring?

Look for black growth coming from the edges of the linoleum, as well as discoloration or bubbling of the material. Inspect for water stains or other signs of water damage, as mold grows underneath linoleum when moisture becomes trapped between the flooring and the sub-floor.

Why is there mold on my subfloor?

Why Does Subfloor Mold Develop? Subfloor mold usually develops due to an undetected moisture intrusion between the different layers of flooring, especially when the finish flooring is sheet vinyl, laminate flooring, or ceramic tile.

Is there a mold detector?

Mold testing kits help you detect and identify growing spores in your home through samples collected via the air or from the surface in question. Some give you results right away, while others ask you to package the samples and send them back to a lab for a professional examination.

What happens if a subfloor gets wet?

A water-damaged subfloor feels spongy underfoot. It might bounce or squeak when you walk across the room. Sagging boards, damp spots and unpleasant musty smells are also signs of a rotting subfloor.

How do you clean a subfloor?

Combine 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of mild dishwashing soap and 1/3 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray it onto one spot of the subfloor, wipe it off with a cloth and check the results. If it worked, you can then mix a larger amount in a bucket and clean the subfloor with a sponge.

Can mold grow under wood floors?

Mold grows on organic materials in environments with high humidity or trapped moisture. 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.

Can mold under floor make you sick?

Whether it's the slimy black spots on your shower curtain, the fuzzy white patches on your basement floor, or the slick orange film that forms on your kitchen drain, household mold is more than unsightly. In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

Can mold grow under floors?

Old house or new, mold can develop practically anywhere, as long as the conditions are right. It's not uncommon, for example, for mold to grow under vinyl flooring or under wooden floorboards. Mold can be tricky – it can actually “hide” in its early stages of development, and can go unnoticed for quite some time.

Can black mold grow on plywood?

Another cause for black mold to quickly appear and grow is the lack of ventilation. This is why the plywood used in your basement, attic, or underneath the house is more susceptible to the growth of black mold on plywood.

What are the symptoms of mold?

What can I spray on floor joists for mold?

You can use two parts baking soda, one part white vinegar, and one part water to form a paste to coat the contaminated area with. If you have a large area of growth, you may want to use an acid-based cleaner like vinegar that is easier to spray.

How do you dry out a subfloor?

The first step is to absorb any water lurking on the surface of the floor. Then, place a dehumidifier at high settings to pull out any moisture that is still in the air. If the water leak is localized in one area, make sure to isolate that area by either closing the door or blocking off the doorway with a plastic tarp.

Can wet subfloor be dried out?

A limited or short-lived leak that's made it as far as the subfloor may not be a big problem, provided you can stop the leak, then dry out the subflooring and any neighboring elements (framing, floor and wall finishes, etc.) completely. Drying out is necessary to prevent mold and rot.

How do you know if you should replace subfloor?

Can you test your house for mold?

Testing for mold in your home

If you hire a professional mold inspector to come to your home, they'll take samples from three areas—the air, the surface, and surrounding dust. They send these samples to a third-party laboratory to find out the concentration and kinds of mold in those particular areas.

Is there an instant mold test?

The Instant Mold Test Kit includes one surface test for ten minute results, and one collection media for optional laboratory analysis.

How can you test your house for mold?

A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it's mold.

What are the symptoms of being exposed to black mold?

How do you tell the difference between mildew and mold?

These fungi also differ in appearance and potential health risks. Mildew is typically a gray, white, or light brown color and rests on the surface of a moist area. It has a powdery appearance and may be accompanied by a foul odor. Mold is usually black or green and has a fuzzy appearance and a distinctly musty smell.

What does mold smell like?

Most people describe the smell of mold as musty, stale, and earthy — somewhat similar the odor of wet socks or decaying wood. Although mold smells can vary, here are some of the most common characteristics: Musty and Stale — like old socks or a stuffy attic that hasn't been aired out in months.