How to Deal With Water Damage Black Mold on Subfloor
Water damage can cause a variety of dangerous conditions. There are several steps to take to deal with it. First, you must secure the area. This will prevent spores from spreading and will protect the surrounding skin from damage. Once you’ve secured the area, you’ll need to pull up layers of flooring and underlayment. Any boards that are exposed to mold should be disposed of right away.
Signs of water damage
Subfloor molds are a result of undetected moisture intrusion, usually from a leaking pipe or a leaky floor finish. Mold grows in dark, moist areas where the light is scarce and it requires an organic food source. These molds aren’t good for floors or for the health of your family, so it’s important to detect and eradicate them as quickly as possible.
Treatment
The first step in treating water damage black mold on subfloor is to remove the floor covering. If the subflooring is made of hardwood or other wood, you may be able to remove it one board at a time. If the subfloor is made of carpet, you will have to pull up the floor and remove the padding and tack boards. If the subflooring is made of linoleum, you can cut a slit and scrape up the mold.
Aftercare
The first step in water damage restoration is to identify the source of the water damage. There are many potential sources of unwanted moisture, including a faulty water supply line from the faucet or toilet, or even a faulty wax ring seal under the toilet. All of these sources can leak water and affect the subflooring. It is important to note that if you notice mold in your home, that does not necessarily mean you have a water damage problem.
Dangers
The first thing you need to do when you discover water damage is to inspect your subfloor. If there is a visible layer of mold, you need to remove it. If the mold is large, it may require you to remove the entire floor. To do this, you should start at the outer edge of the room and pry up the hardwood boards and carpet padding. Then, cut long slits in the floor and remove the moldy material.
Symptoms
If you find black mold growing on your subfloor, the best way to prevent its spread is to get rid of it immediately. First, you should secure the affected area. You can use heavy plastic to cover the area and prevent the spread of mold spores. Also, you should open up the windows and allow fresh air to circulate. If this method fails, consider using a dehumidifier to dry the affected area.
Prevention
Water damage on a subfloor can be caused by a number of factors. These include the finish on a floor, a leaking pipe, and other factors. Because subfloors do not receive much light, they are a prime location for mold growth. This kind of mold is not good for the subfloor or for human health. Therefore, if you notice any signs of mold growth, you should act immediately.