What to do About Moldy Wood Floors

Although hardwood floors are one of the most reliable and durable flooring materials on the market, proper care and maintenance is essential for longevity. Wooden floors are made of organic materials, so it’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience moldy wood floors, especially after many years of usage. What’s important is to quickly identify mold under wood floors, and take remediation actions.

Moldy wood floors can occur for a number of reasons, all of which my go unnoticed or neglected. If you have a slow water leak, for example, the wet environment is ideal for mold to grow. After time, finding mold under wood floors is not unexpected. The same can happen with repeated spills that make their way into crevices and then under floorboards. Finally, poor indoor ventilation can contribute to mold.

Like all organic materials, wood floors allow mold to grow and spread, as long as there is a wet, damp, or humid environment. Once imbedded, mold can prove hazardous to wood flooring and can prove dangerous to home occupants and personal health. Moldy wood floors can certainly be replaced, but that does not necessarily address the mold infiltration. This is where professional attention is required.

How do I know if there is mold under my wood floors?

If you’re suspecting mold under your wood floors, you’ve probably noticed some signs and indications. This is the right time to figure out if mold has actually grown under the floors, and to what extent the mold has spread out. For the most part, there are specific signs that point to mold under wood floors.

Musty Smells or Odours

Musty smells and odours (in any part of your home) can potentially be a clue that mold is either growing or already established. The fact is, mold growth emits certain gases, and these can easily contribute to musty, stale, and even rotten smells.

Existing Water Damage

Visible water damage is a sure sign that mold may be present. Water damage that has been left unattended can create a “spongy” feel to a wooden floor (an ideal feeding ground for mold). Water stains are also indicative of some water damage.

Under the Floorboards

For the most tangible signs of mold, you can look under the floorboards, although this might be best left to a mold remediation specialist who knows what to look for. A specialist will also be able to assess the scope of a mold infiltration at the same time.

Is mold under wood floors dangerous?

If you’ve discovered mold underneath your wooden floors, you should understand that it’s not a simple cleanup. Yes – you can probably clean up surface mold by yourself, but the key with mold is to kill it at source. With mold, it’s often difficult to detect the full extent of an infiltration, simply because mold has a way of “hiding”.  This is why a mold remediation specialist should be called in for a full assessment.

When mold growth is visible it means that an outgrowth has been established. Depending on the scope of the growth, it could be problematic, especially with some health risks for home occupants. In the event that mold spores (or mycotoxins) are released into the air, this can cause allergic reactions for some people (sinus stuffiness; coughing or wheezing; skin irritation; eye irritation; or other reactions).

In terms of serious danger, young children and older adults may be more susceptible to the effects of mold. This of course depends on the extent of mold in the home, and the duration of exposure. The fact is, most mold species do not present health risks to humans or pets, but the general rule is that every mold infestation should be removed. With a professional on hand you can be sure of full elimination.

How can I clean mold under my wood floors?

Unless you are dealing with very basic surface mold, the do-it-yourself approach to mold cleanup is not a good idea. Besides the fact that special protective gear is required, in addition to some expertise, the health risks are just not warranted. It’s far better to leave the work to an experienced mold specialist.

With a DIY approach, there are just too many factors to consider when doing a mold cleanup. First of all, determining the extent of mold growth. Secondly, finding the source of moisture – is it a water leak, a high level of humidity, or another cause for dampness? Thirdly, ensuring a comprehensive cleanup.

The bottom line with any type of mold cleanup is to avoid any DIY methods. Chances are the cleanup will have short-term results, and the mold will return in some form. Professionals, on the other hand, are trained to apply appropriate methods for BOTH the removal of mold AND preventing recurrence.

Professionals have all of the equipment, experience, and expertise to guarantee long-term results. They also have the capacity to deal with mold and mold spores, while preventing any cross-contamination in other parts of the home. In short, mold remediation should be done right the first time by specialists.

The best approach with mold is a professional approach

With mold infestations, it’s always best to seek professional help – right from assessment, to testing, to remediation. If you do have extensive mold under your wooden floors, this certainly would qualify for professional removal and cleanup. At Matrix Remediation we provide the complete service package.

In Calgary, and throughout the region, Matrix Remediation offers mold remediation that is guaranteed – with quick turn-around time and competitive industry prices. Our in-house experts understand that a mold infestation requires more than just a quick fix, which is why our services are so comprehensive.

Mold must be eliminated completely, and any recurrence must be prevented. That’s why it makes good sense to do it right from the start. For professional mold removal services in Calgary and surrounding communities, call Matrix at 1-888-885-8683 or fill out an online form to arrange for an inspection and assessment.