Discoloration and a musty smell are two ubiquitous signs of mold under wood flooring. But before you lift the boards to see what’s underneath, it’s worth investigating for other common signs of mold.
Visible spores and texture changes on the floor’s surface under hardwood. Homeowners may even experience symptoms of mold exposure, such as sneezing and skin rashes. You can protect your home and health by understanding the subtle cues and taking proactive measures. Let’s explore the signs that could mean your floor is harboring an unwelcome guest.
What Causes Mold Under Hardwood Floors?
Every case of mold appearing on a wooden floor has one common denominator: moisture. Water leaks, high humidity, steam, spills, and condensation can lead to problems. Wood is porous, making it more vulnerable to mold growth than materials like tile.
Mold on wooden boards in the house is formed for the following reasons:
- Low-quality wood processing and other violations of construction technology.
- Absence or improper operation of the ventilation system.
- A tiny leak leads to a stable increase in humidity, affecting the house’s wooden boards. Even if periodic treatments occur, new fungus or mold will form due to fumes.
- There is practically no air circulation in basements, attics, and cellars, leading to moisture stagnation. Therefore, a system of forced ventilation is created here or aired regularly.
What Does Mold Look Like on A Wooden Surface?
Mold on a wood floor typically appears as dark green, black, or brown spots, often with a fuzzy or powdery texture. It can also look like clusters of small black dots or grayish patches. Mold growth may cause the wood to appear discolored, damp, or warped in affected areas.
Signs Of Mold Under Hardwood Floors
After understanding the cause, it’s better to look for the signs that can lead your home and wooden hardwood to mold. Follow up on these five signs that might be helpful to investigate whether your home is mold-free or take action as soon as possible to keep your hardwood safe from fungus.
A Musty Smell In The Affected Room
Mold has a distinct smell that is often difficult to remove once it appears. When mold forms, the scent is slightly earthy and musty and persists until treated properly. This odor is caused by the formation of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) and can be the first sign of mold once spores have begun to develop.
However, different types of mold can have different odors, which can help determine which type may be growing in your home. Black mold smells like rotting leaves or a musty basement, while other types may smell more like sweaty socks.
Discoloration or Stains
Another common sign of mold is discoloration of the flooring, which results from mold enzymes breaking down the material on which it grew. A once-uniform floor may begin to look bleached or covered in water, or visible signs of mold spores may appear on the outside. Mold on wood floors appears as green, blue, or black spots grouped. Over time, these stains can spread to nearby walls, floors, or baseboards. If you notice changes in the floor, it likely means mold is present. Address the mold quickly to prevent further damage.
The Finishing Coating Begins To Peel Off
Most hardwoods have a coating that repels water and protects against stains and scratches. A wood floor finish protects the surface of the wood. However, if mold gets under the floorboards, it can weaken the bond between the wood and the finish.
When this happens, homeowners may see the surface of their hardwood floors peeling or flaking. This indicates a serious mold issue and makes the wood more likely to suffer from other types of damage.
Warping or Buckling
Wood is a porous material which can absorb and release moisture. When wood flooring is exposed to moisture through leaks, flooding, or high humidity, the wood absorbs water, leading to uneven surfaces.
If this happens, the floorboards may begin to warp, leaving visible gaps between the boards. Water damage can also cause indentation, where the center of the floorboard becomes indented, giving the floor an undulation. Warps and warping are tangible signs that something is wrong; they indicate that the wood is absorbing moisture, and where there is moisture, mold is likely not far behind.
Mold And Health
In addition to causing damage to the home’s physical structure, mold can also affect the health of the occupants of the home, especially those with upper respiratory problems. Because mold produces allergens and irritants, it can lead to several problematic symptoms for those sensitive to mold exposure. Some of the more common symptoms of mold include:
- Sneeze
- Cold
- Red eyes
- Rashes on the skin and
- Asthma attacks
Mold on the floor can be particularly harmful. Mold exposure can cause shortness of breath and chest tightness, leading to fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems. The sooner you can cure mold at home, the less likely it will become a severe health hazard.
Conclusion
Finding signs of mold growing underneath your hardwood floors is a means of maintaining a healthy home. Please do not ignore the persistent musty smell, warped boards, or unexplained discoloration, as they might indicate secret mold growth. If you identify these signs, act to avoid health hazards and additional damage. Quick remediation is key to retaining your floors while ensuring a non-dangerous living environment for you and your family. Be vigilant and proactive about mold detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know If You Have Hidden Mold?
Hidden mold would appear with a musty smell. Discoloration spots and warped wood would also be present. Allergic reactions and respiratory issues could also be present. Dampness, peeling paints, water damage, and visible mold would confirm its existence.
What Does Mold Look Like Under Flooring?
When you visually inspect the flooring, look for discolored patches. Use a moisture test and odor detection. Consider professional assessments, flooring removal, mold testing, and air quality checks. DIY mold detection and remediation options can aid prevention methods.