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If there is mold under the linoleum floor in your bathroom, it is a good idea to get it remediated as soon as possible. Waiting too long to do so could cause your health to decline and damage to your personal property.

The Health Risks of Mold

Mold mainly causes health issues by releasing mycotoxins into the air. This toxic compound is found in many different types of mold to varying degrees. White mold, for example, generally carries a lower risk of causing health issues than black mold does.

Here are some general health issues caused by mold:

• Trouble sleeping
• Low energy
• Allergy symptoms
• Brain fog

If you have experienced any of these issues, particularly after your property suffered from water damaged, call today for a free quote on mold remediation.

How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow?

How fast mold can grow will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, the species of mold, how much moisture is present, and if it has a viable food source like linoleum floors, for example. In general though, it will start to grow around 24-48 hours after coming into contact with a moisture and food source.

What Causes Mold to Grow?

Mold generally grows well in the following conditions:

• In areas with temperatures of around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Surrounded by a large moisture source
• Surrounded by a large food source
• Where there is low air circulation

Is Mold Common?

Mold is most common in wet climates, but it can be found almost anywhere.

Can Mold Spread to Other Parts of the Property?

Mold spreads by releasing spores into the atmosphere, which find their way to other places in your property and survive off of decent living conditions like the ones we pointed out above. If you want to stop this from happening, it is important that you or a professional detect and fix the moisture source that is helping the mold to grow, properly isolate the mold with polyethylene sheeting, and lower the amount of mold spores in the atmosphere by using a HEPA filter.

If I Cannot See Mold, Can It Still Be There?

Yes. Unfortunately, it is possible for your property to have mold in it without you even knowing! Mold can often hide in places, like under linoleum floor in the bathroom, where people may not see it. Also, it is possible that it is in the early stages of growth and is therefore not easily visible. If you suspect mold is growing in your property, it is a good idea to hire a mold inspector or purchase a mold testing kit like the one found here.

Where Is Mold Commonly Found?

Mold can be found almost anywhere in your property, but here are some places that you may want to check:

• Bathrooms
• Window sills
• Crawl spaces
• Basements
• Carpets
• Foundations

Common Types of Mold Under Linoleum Floor in Bathroom

There are many different types of mold that can be found, but here are just a couple of them:

Black Mold

This type of mold is know to be toxic to humans and other organisms mainly because it produces a relatively large amount of mycotoxins.

White Mold

This type of mold is sometimes referred to as mildew, and is often slightly less toxic than black mold.

How Professionals Get Rid of Mold Under Linoleum Floors in the Bathroom

Although small mold remediation work can possibly be done yourself, we recommend hiring a professional to make sure it is done correctly. Here is the general process they may take:

Step 1: Assess the Mold Issue and Put Together a Plan

It is important that your mold remediation professional properly document the process of their work for multiple reasons. One of which is that your insurance company may cover the project. It is a good idea to call your insurance company and ask them if they can cover this project, and if so, what documentation they will need.

Step 2: Set up HEPA Filters

HEPA filters can help to remove the mold spores from the air so that the mold does not spread.

Step 3: Throw Away Perishables and Move Your Contents

To avoid contamination, your personal belongs may need to be moved or thrown away. In the case of food or other perishable items, we recommend throwing them away because the risk of consuming mold is not worth it. After your items have been moved, it should also be easier for the contractor you hired to access the mold.

Step 4: Check for and Repair the Moisture Issue

If you have mold in your property, chances are that there is also moisture present. Your professional should use a moisture meter, you can find our favorite here, in order to detect the moisture source.

Step 5: Isolate the Contaminated Area

In order to isolate the contaminated area, a professional will need to wall off the area with polyethylene sheeting. This is important to do so that the mold does not expand into other places of the property.

Step 6: Demolish the Area with Mold on It

If there is a decent amount of mold present, it may be necessary to demolish the mold damaged areas. Your remediation professional should know how to complete this step properly.

Step 7: Dispose of the Demolished Building Materials

After the building materials are removed, they should be disposed of in a proper manner so as to avoid contamination. For this reason, mold removal professionals often use a double-bagging method. This also includes sanitizing the outside of the bags for extra caution.

Step 8: Sanitize

After the mold contaminated building materials have been properly disposed of, it is time to sanitize the area with wire brushes and disposable wipes. Keep in mind that the disposable wipes should also be disposed of by double-bagging them in polyethylene sheeting.

Step 9: Drying

It is important that your restoration contractor dry the existing water damage so that the mold does not grow back. To do this, they will place dehumidifiers and fans throughout the area, and continuously monitor them.

Step 10: Reconstruction

Some restoration contractors will offer reconstruction services, but not all of them. At the very least, they can often point you in the direction of a company that can help you.

Step 11: Putting Back Your Contents

Part of getting your property back to the way it was involves repairing or replacing your personal belongings. You will need to discuss with your contractor what you’d like them to try and repair, as well as what they can dispose of. You should also have the specialist you hire document this process so that  you may get reimbursed by your insurance company.

Prevent Mold from Returning

Now that the mold is properly remediated, here are some precautions you can take to prevent it from coming back.

• Use a moisture meter to check for water damage
• Waterproof your surroundings
• Maintain your gutters and roof
• Run a HEPA filter
• Keep good air flow in your property

Call Today for a Free Estimate

If your property has been affected by mold under linoleum floors in your bathroom, call today for a free estimate!