You might find it under carpets, vinyl, or laminate. The mold can look like black, green, or white marks on plywood or OSB, which are common in homes since the 1950s. A musty smell is a sign of subfloor mold. Sometimes, the only hints are bubbling in vinyl floors or a smell of mildew.
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.
Use a mixture of water and detergent or a commercial mold cleaner to scrub the affected area. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and dry the subfloor thoroughly. Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent future mold growth.
mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.
For an average-sized room of 300 square feet, expect to spend about $900 to $3,000 on the cost to replace subfloors, or $3 to $10 per square foot. Most homeowners spend about an average of $1,560. Laying down a new style of flooring, like marble or linoleum, might require a new subfloor.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
Although the name implies a uniform coloring, black mold may appear black, dark green, or dark brown. It typically grows as a cluster of round spots with a distinctly wet, slimy appearance. As stated, black mold typically appears fuzzy or furry.
Toxic black mold on wood appears as dark green or black patches. It often has a slimy or wet texture and may spread across the surface in a spotty pattern. The affected wood might appear discolored, soft, and damp.
Besides water, all you'll need is one ingredient that you likely have in your pantry - vinegar. Here's what to do: Mix one part of vinegar with one part of water. Moisten a cloth or mop with this vinegar/water solution.
“Does Kilz kill mold?” Despite the brand name “Kilz,” which sounds like it would kill mold, Kilz does not kill mold but does proactively prevent it once it is applied over a mold-free surface. This makes it a good choice for damp areas.
When Should You Replace Subfloors? There are many signs that your damaged subfloor should be replaced with a new subfloor. These include squeaks and other noises, cupping or warping, cracked or popped tiles, sagging or unevenness, the smell of mold or mildew, or bubbling tile.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Musty Smell
If you don't see signs of mold, but you can smell it, it may be hidden in your walls. A musty smell indicates that mold is growing in your home. The smell of mold feels earthy, like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense, damp forest.
The Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit can be used for indoor or outdoor mold testing. Tests indoor air quality for unseen mold in the home. There are three testing methods: (1) Indoor Air Quality Test Method (2) Air Conditioning & Heating Sample Method (3) Surface Sampling Testing Method (when visible mold is present).
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Mold, on the other hand, is alive and can reproduce. Unlike dust, simply wiping it away doesn't solve the problem; mold spores can linger and regrow.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
Does homeowners insurance cover subfloor? In general, homeowners insurance covers subfloor water damage. However, it must be caused by one of the perils listed in your insurance policy.
It's difficult to assess if the sub-floor is rotting until carpets or tile are pulled back and an inspection is conducted. However, if the sub-floor feels spongy and sags when walking across the floor, this is a sign of a rotted sub-floor.
Given the complexity of subfloor repairs, you should really stick with a carpenter for this project. But if you want to install a new subfloor or underlayment over sound floor joists, hire a local flooring contractor for this step.