Tips for Addressing Mold Growth on Hardwood Floors and Securing Mold Remediation Services

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian Restoration Company highlights ways to effectively stop the growth of mold on hardwood floors.

The IICRC-certified property damage restoration technicians at SERVPRO® of Waxahachie/Midlothian have the training and experience to handle property damage disasters of any size and type, including mold on hardwood floors. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, EPA-approved products, and advanced cleaning techniques, technicians are able to tackle the toughest challenges.

Dealing with mold on wood floors

Hardwood flooring, one of the most versatile and durable flooring products available in the market, still requires appropriate care and maintenance as prescribed by the manufacturer to ensure long-lasting beauty and service. After years of service and exposure to spills, moisture, and humidity, wood floors may likely experience some mold growth. When issues are suspected, Red Oak, TX, homeowners must take quick action to identify and remove mold growth under wood flooring and preserve the floor’s beauty.

Causes of mold on and under wood flooring

Mold needs darkness, warmth, organic matter, and especially moisture to grow. Moldy flooring may have many causes in a home, including:

• a slow water leak from an appliance
• splashing at the kitchen sink
• beverage spills in the kitchen, den, or home office
• increased humidity levels due to poor indoor ventilation
• leaks around windows and doors

The excess wetness and moisture can seep through cracks and crevices under the floor, providing the wet, dark, food-rich environment mold needs to grow. Mold on the surface of wood flooring may go undetected due to concealment under furniture or in the shadows of the room. Mold under the flooring is impossible to see unless the floor is partially dismantled for inspection. If undetected or neglected, mold on and under the flooring can damage both the flooring and the substrate.

How to identify mold growth on and under wooden floors

When inspecting for mold growth on and under wood flooring, pay attention to the following signs:

1. Musty and mildewy odors

Mold growth has been taking place long before the spores are visible to the unaided eye. Often, the nose will detect the smell of mold before the eyes see the telltale black, green, or bronze mold stains.

2. Standing water and moisture buildup on the surface of the flooring

Puddles of water, beads of moisture, or a thin film of condensation on the flooring, especially if left undetected or neglected for hours or days, should be a signal to the homeowner to look for mold growth in those areas.

3. Water damage

Water stains, warped flooring, and spongy flooring should alert the homeowner to the likely presence of mold in the affected areas. A more aggressive approach to mold detection may involve removing portions of the flooring to inspect for mold in areas with any signs of water damage. Inspection at this level may require the services of a professional floor installer to remove the flooring and then replace it once the inspection and any remediation have been completed.

How to remove mold under wood flooring

Limited surface mold can be handled by the homeowner. More extensive mold infestation calls for advanced mold-killing technology, PPG, special cleaning techniques, and products designed to effectively remove and kill the mold. These factors demonstrate the wisdom of having professionals take care of remediating a mold infestation in and under hardwood flooring.

It is important to determine the extent of a mold infestation. The experienced professional is best qualified to make this assessment. In many instances, the identification of the source of the moisture requires experience and skills only professionals have acquired over the years. The goal is to remediate the mold and resolve the moisture issues that promote mold growth.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian inspect and assess the situation. They provide a detailed, well-documented estimate of the remediation. Any insurance claims can be handled by the staff from the beginning of the project to the end. When the job is completed, the home is clean and safe for humans and pets. The remediation project can also include efforts to avoid the recurrence of a mold infestation. The SERVPRO team can take care of any structural damage, including demolition, removal, repairs, and rebuilds. The mold remediation professionals strive to accomplish long-term solutions.

For more information about Red Oak, TX, mold removal services, email SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian at acarey@SERVPRO10932.com or call the office at (972) 935-0827.