The first way that you can fix a subfloor moisture problem is by removing the finished floor and exposing the subfloor. Make sure that an HVAC system is installed or use a dehumidifier, and then, let the subfloor dry until the moisture levels have gone down.
Edit: Use a wet/dry vac to suck up as much standing water as you can - and get a dehumidifier going ASAP. Rent a floor fan to circulate air from the tool rental place. Cut open the subfloor in a small section to see if the moisture is under that.
In most cases, damaged subflooring doesn't need to be replaced. However, in the event of extensive water damage from flooding or extended periods of exposure to moisture, damaged sections may need to be removed to avoid mold and ensure structural integrity.
If the mold has penetrated deeply or the subfloor is significantly damaged, you might need to replace the affected sections. It's essential to ensure that the area is thoroughly dried and treated before laying down new flooring to prevent future mold issues.
Most wood floors flooded with water will take weeks or more to fully dry out. In some circumstances, especially with a wooden subfloor, removing the wood flooring is necessary to fully dry out the subfloor.
Subfloor Cost per Square Foot
Subfloor replacement typically costs about $3 to $10 per square foot. This range can vary based on labor costs, which will add $25 to $30 per hour, and the type of subflooring you choose.
Utilising subfloor approved dehumidifiers, like inhouse dehumidifiers, can be a highly effective method for drying a wet subfloor. Additionally, specialised subfloor drying equipment, such as heat drying systems, can significantly expedite the drying process.
Subfloor mold can appear as dark spots or patches beneath flooring materials like carpets, vinyl, or laminate. It often grows on plywood or OSB substrates, common since the 1950s. The presence of subfloor mold can be hinted at by a musty odor.
Treat exposed molded subflooring with a mixture of 1 cup of borax and 1 gallon of water or an EPA-registered mold removal product. Spray the solution on the moldy subfloor. You can also soak affected subflooring with a brush broom. Wait 10 minutes, scrub the area, and repeat the process two more times.
Use a dehumidifier placed at the highest setting possible to dry the floors. Place it in the center of the room and leave it on for at least 24 hours. Next, place fans around the room so the entire surface receives the blowing air. Place the fans at the highest settings possible.
There's really no other way to get the moisture out of the wood other then running fans on it and having a dehumidfier running nearby to absorb any moisture...that's really the only methods to dry out moisture in a wall/ceiling cavity....
The first way that you can fix a subfloor moisture problem is by removing the finished floor and exposing the subfloor. Make sure that an HVAC system is installed or use a dehumidifier, and then, let the subfloor dry until the moisture levels have gone down.
A wet subfloor doesn't always need to be replaced, but it must be thoroughly dried and assessed for damage. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry it out. If the subfloor is swollen, warped, or has mold growth, replacement is necessary.
Homeowners insurance generally covers water damage that's sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe bursts or a washing machine overflows and damages your floor, you may be covered. But if the water comes from flooding, standard homeowners insurance typically won't cover it.
While it may seem tempting to replace the subfloor from underneath if your home has access from the basement to this area, it should always be replaced from the top.
Key Takeaways. If you have water under your floorboards, remove floor coverings and dispose of damaged paper products, dry the area, clean and disinfect the soaked floorboards, ventilate the room, and contact a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for complete restoration services.
Treat exposed molded subflooring with a mixture of 1 cup of borax and 1 gallon of water or an EPA-registered mold removal product. Spray the solution on the moldy plywood. You can also soak affected subflooring with a brush broom. Wait 10 minutes, scrub the area, and repeat the process two more times.
Handyman can clean small areas of mold for you, set up dehumidifiers, and replace drywall that was removed during larger remediation cleanups. Want to have a professional help beat mold in your home?
Signs of Mold under Hardwood Floors
You might notice patches of discoloration (usually black or green, although mold can grow in a variety of different colors) with a slimy or fuzzy texture. Other times, mold isn't so easily seen if it's growing under the floorboards, on the floor joists, or on the subfloor.