Dealing with mold on the floor can be frustrating. Not only does mold on the floor look unpleasant and smell musty, but it can also be a health hazard. Continued exposure to mold can cause certain respiratory conditions while causing destruction to your property. In this article, we explain how to detect mold under flooring and the measures you need to take to get rid of it.
Is Mold Under Flooring Dangerous?
Yes, mold under the flooring is dangerous as it can cause destruction both to your property and the health of the occupants. If left unchecked, mold under the floors can cause structural damage to your home or commercial space, produce foul odors, and increase the risk of health problems. The airborne mold spores and toxins it produces can trigger respiratory issues and allergic reactions. It can also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Signs Of Mold Under Hardwood Floors
Mold growth starts with moisture. When your floors are exposed to excess moisture, mold can soon start growing. The moisture could come from a water leak, humidity, steam, or condensation. So, when looking for signs of mold under laminate flooring, you need to consider whether there is moisture. If there is moisture, then mold can start growing on or underneath your flooring. Eventually, this can cause buckling, staining, and even rotting of your floor.
What does mold on floor joists look like? Usually, mold on flooring is not visible to the naked eye, and the first thing you may notice is patches of discoloration with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Then, you may see mold growing under the floorboard, on the subfloor, or on the floor joists. Let’s have a look at the most common signs of mold under hardwood floors:
- Musty, damp, earthy odors
- Discoloration and visible growth
- High humidity and dampness
- Buckling or warping
- Blistering or peeling paint and wallpaper
- Creaky floorboards
- Water damage
- Water stains
- Health symptoms associated with mold exposure, especially allergy symptoms
How To Detect Mold Under Flooring
To detect mold under flooring, you need to look for signs like musty smells and discoloration. These are usually the first signs, but you may also notice a warping and peeling finish. If you notice a damp, spongy feel underfoot or start getting allergic reactions, it could be a sign of mold growing on your flooring. A professional mold inspection will help confirm if this is the case, as the expert uses specialized tools to identify moisture and mold in hidden areas.
How To Get Rid Of Mold Under Flooring
While you may get rid of mold under flooring if it covers only a small area, in most cases, you will need a mold expert to do the job for you. It is important to make sure that the contractor has experience in cleaning up mold. Some of the actions that may be taken to get rid of mold under flooring include:
- Turning off and checking whether the HVAC systems are contaminated with mold
- Scrubbing mold off the floors and other hard surfaces with detergent and water, ensuring they dry completely
- Fixing plumbing leaks and other water problems
- Cleaning and fixing contaminated floors
- Throwing away absorbent or porous materials, such as carpet, if they have become moldy
- Dry all floors and surfaces completely
Professional Mold Removal
If you are looking for professional mold remediation, contact us today. At The Mold Inspection Canary, we have a team of mold experts ready to inspect your floors, detect if mold is present, and take the necessary measures to get rid of it.
