Does mould grow on vinyl flooring?

More than just an irritation, mould under your vinyl flooring is a warning sign of something more severe and may be hazardous growing beneath your feet. Mould growth under vinyl flooring can become a structural and health concern very rapidly if it is not treated. Serious health risks, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and, in extreme situations, toxic effects from exposure to specific types of mould, including the infamous black mould, arise when mould grows in the cracks beneath vinyl. Beyond health risks, the presence of mould indicates structural degradation because it decomposes and feeds on the wood and adhesive ingredients under your bedroom vinyl flooring. 

Mould under vinyl flooring is an issue that you can't afford to overlook. Taking prompt action and getting a professional evaluation are essential to protecting your health and your flooring.

Discovering Mould Beneath Vinyl Flooring:

Maintaining a healthy living environment requires being able to see mould under vinyl flooring. Here are some tips for identifying this unwanted visitor before it causes more issues.

1. Smell:

A musty smell can be a clue that there's perhaps mould forming under your vinyl flooring. It's a unique fragrance, sometimes described as earthy, like wet socks or rotting wood. It's time to look into if a certain region of your house starts to smell strange, especially if there are vinyl floors nearby.

2. Look:

Mould under vinyl flooring can take many different forms. The following are important indicators:

Discolouration: Examine your flooring for any odd stains or patches. Dark, splotchy areas that don't go away with routine washing are common signs of mould.

Bumps: These indicate that your vinyl flooring is being pushed up by mould. Any imperfections in your floor's level surface need to raise an alarm.

Spotchy spots: In addition to discolouring, mould can produce splotchy spots that break up the homogeneous appearance of your vinyl flooring.

Reasons for Mould Growth Under Vinyl Floors:

Mould growth beneath vinyl flooring may be caused by multiple factors. Let's examine the typical causes for which this unwelcome visitor settles beneath your flooring.

1. Elevated Indoor Temperature:

Moist conditions are ideal for mould growth. High levels of indoor condensation in homes make the ideal environment for mould growth. Given that bathrooms and kitchens typically have greater humidity levels, this is particularly true in such spaces. Mould and condensation can be avoided by controlling indoor humidity with dehumidifiers.

A submerged broken pipe could be leaking water under your floorboards gradually. This trickling gives the mould the continuous moisture it needs to thrive. By regularly inspecting your pipes, you may be able to identify these leaks early on and limit mould growth before it becomes more serious.

2. Gradual Leaks:

Slow leaks from fixtures or appliances can cause water to seep beneath vinyl plank flooring, much like burst pipes. These leaks may not be as obvious at first, but they can eventually cause just as much harm. It's critical to watch out for any leaks in fixtures and appliances.

3. Improper Installation:

When vinyl plank flooring is installed incorrectly, gaps or crevices may remain, allowing moisture to build up. Water seeping beneath floors must be stopped by making sure they are fitted correctly and without cracks.

How to Stop the Growth of Mould Under Vinyl Flooring:

Keeping a healthy house requires preventing the growth of mould beneath vinyl plank flooring. Here's how to avoid getting mould:

Moisture Control:

Maintaining moisture levels should come first. Keeping your home dry is essential since mould grows best in moist settings. In regions where the humidity is excessive, use a dehumidifier and take quick care of any leaks.

Correct Setup:

Make sure you install vinyl flooring correctly. Installing anything incorrectly can allow moisture to get through the gaps. To ensure a snug, proper fit, think about employing experts.

Ventilation:

Utilize exhaust fans to aid in the air's moisture removal.

Quick Reaction to Water Damage:

Take immediate action if water damage occurs. Dry the area completely after removing any standing water. Consider bringing in experts if you have serious water problems so that all moisture is removed.

Monitoring of Humidity:

Pay attention to the humidity levels in your house. Aim for a range of 30% to 50%. Keep track of humidity with a hygrometer.

Installation Done Right Is Crucial:

Moisture seeping up from the subfloor creates the ideal environment for fungi, which leads to the growth of flooring mould in many cases. Although installing any kind of flooring over a plywood subfloor would not be too problematic, concrete subfloors must have the right amount of moisture present due to their porous nature. Average level recommendations differ, but it's generally agreed upon that, when measured with a relative humidity meter, they shouldn't exceed 12%.

In order to avoid mould problems, you must additionally apply a moisture barrier when putting on concrete. Again, due to its porous nature, concrete requires an additional layer of protection in case the humidity in your space suddenly rises.

Strategies for Effective Remediation:

Regarding the problem of mould beneath vinyl flooring, there are practical methods you can use. Knowing your alternatives is essential, regardless of whether you're thinking about hiring specialists or doing it yourself.

Expert Cleaning:

The safest and most effective course of action is frequently expert remediation for serious mould problems, particularly those involving black mould. These professionals can efficiently detect, treat, and get rid of mould because they have the equipment, know-how, and experience needed to keep your home safe and healthy.

Do It Yourself:

If someone feels like doing the mould removal themselves, there are a few common household items that work well for dealing with mould problems:

-Borax and hot water: An easy-to-use remedy that effectively kills mould without requiring rinsing.

-Vinegar: Famous for its organic antiseptic qualities, vinegar is capable of eliminating most types of mould.

-Baking soda can both absorb moisture and destroy mould when combined with water to form a solution.

-Hydrogen peroxide: A multipurpose anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal solution.

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