Any homeowner or business owner knows that mold and mildew and flooring are sworn enemies. Preventing mold and mildew from being introduced into your floor is, of course, the ideal. However, is that even possible? Ace Wood Flooring’s Troy Hewes talks about the causes of mold and mildew, and your options if you’ve become the victim of this unwanted intruder.
First, what’s the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew are generally used to describe fungi growths. Mold, however, is typically found on foods and in walls and other permanent structures (like flooring), while mildew is more often found in showers, on paper, and on fabrics (like the underlayment of your flooring).
How do mold and mildew form in my flooring?
Residents of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts may become victims of mold and mildew in their flooring if their floors have become completely saturated. The key term here is complete saturation. Some people might fear they’ve ruined their floors with a simple spilled glass of coke or milk. But, as the adage states, there’s no use crying over spilled milk. That’s because these simple spills will not cause mold and mildew to form.
Rather, a complete saturation, or flood damage of some sort, will, in fact, encourage this unwanted growth.
If I have a wood floor, how do I know if I have mold or mildew damage?
Wood floors are, in fact, susceptible to mold and mildew growth. You don’t even have to have incurred something as devastating as a flood. The repeated use of a steamer mop over the same spots on your flooring are enough to encourage this growth. If you have a mold or mildew problem, your hardwood floors will produce black coloration between the joints of the planks. This is a telling sign of a growing problem underneath the planks.
Keep this in mind: wood and water don’t mix.
What can I do to avoid or prevent mold and mildew in my CT/RI/MA home?
Firstly, if you suffer from mold and mildew in your flooring, your best option is to completely remove and replace the flooring.
Many homeowners and business owners throughout southern New England are turning toward Luxury Vinyl Tiles, or an alternative vinyl-flooring product. That’s because these vinyl options have an increased mildew resistance, and don’t have air pockets that allow the space for mold to develop.
Why should I be concerned with mold or mildew in my home?
Science has proven that mold and mildew can cause health problems, including skin rashes, eye irritation, headaches, tiredness, runny noses and more. Your home shouldn’t be the cause of discomfort or health issues, but that’s what’s happening if your floor is home to fungal growth.
Learn more about the dangers of mold and mildew growth, and how to choose the right flooring to prevent this growth, by contacting Ace Wood Flooring today. Ace Wood Flooring serves homes and businesses throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, by offering refinishing, installation, staining, sanding and repair since 1967. Email me info (at) acewoodfloors.wpengine.com or call 401-241-3966.