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Renting - Moisture from bathroom damaged bedroom floor - been this way for a few years, but this year the water didn't evaporate as much, as the air was too humid - so got water accumulation and mould, rotten timber base of carpet
Now moisture source removed, now need to fix up the mouldy moist carpet and Underlay and timber base underneath- underlay seems most problematic as when I try to wash it, it starts to fall to pieces - real estate agent planning to replace flooring in entire room- it is a bit expensive - is it avoidable?
Interested in tips about mould removal ,or if you think reflooring the entire room is also the way to go.
Thanks
Hello @st22
If the damage to the floor is only in that particular area, I would recommend an attempt to repair the damaged wall and floor. But before attempting any repair, I suggest speaking to your landlord or property manager and informing them of the damage. I believe it is important to find the source of the moisture coming into the house, otherwise, the same thing will happen again even if you have this area repaired.
Let me call on our experienced members @TedBear, @diy_hausdesigns and @Adam_W for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @st22,
At this point, the best course of action is to follow up with your property manager regarding their next steps to fix the issue. Mould in materials such as carpet underlay is not something that typically can be fixed, and it needs to be replaced. If they want to replace the flooring, that sounds like a fantastic solution. Given that it's not an expense you'll have to pay, I wouldn't be overly concerned about it. Resolving the issue is just as much about your health and quality of living as it is about preventing more damage to the landlord's property.
There are no tests I am aware of that you could do yourself to determine if more mould spores are present in the room. As a rule of thumb, unless a mould-removing specialist has professionally cleaned the room, you can assume that mould spores remain.
Mitchell
Hi @st22
Thank you very much for that update. You'll need to do a local search for a mould removal specialist in your area. Generally, they will track down the source of the mould and inform you of what you need to do to repair it. Removing mould from an infested carpet is a bit tricky as it is difficult to tell if you've removed all of the mould spores in it. If even just a handful is left they can easily propagate in the carpet without your knowledge. I recommend changing that part of the carpet if possible to prevent further mould growth.
The other recommendation I can suggest is to clean the area as best you can with mould cleaning agents. Once it has been cleaned and has fully dried off, I suggest sealing the area with Crommelin 2L Dampstop. Dampstop is a 2 part water-based epoxy used as a moisture vapour barrier. When applied to a sound surface, Dampstop will help prevent the escape of rising or lateral dampness from walls or floors. It will form a barrier, but it will not stop the accumulation of moisture and dampness underneath the floor.
The source of dampness must be located and addressed first. Fixing the floor now will only cover the dampness for a little while and eventually, you'll start to get the same type of damage happening again.
I propose speaking to your property manager and postponing the floor repair and addressing the dampness and mould issue first.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @st22,
This job needs to be left to the property manager and professionals to complete. As a tenant, your only job is to ensure that your health and safety are maintained during the process and that any remedies lead to a habitable property. I would strongly advise that you do not partake in the process, both from a health and safety standpoint and one of liability.
Regarding the use of fungicides in a bedroom, I'd encourage you to do further research to establish whether you find their use acceptable. Fungicides and biocides can be a health hazard and must be used in accordance with stringent rules and regulations. There are specific fungicides developed for indoor use, and it would be worth enquiring with the tradesperson about the fungicide they'll use. If you have any concerns, you can contact the product manufacturer to discuss them.
As someone who has been renting for twenty years and plays a very active role in maintaining the properties I've rented, I appreciate that you want to assist in fixing this issue. However, there are times when it's best left to the professionals that the property manager has engaged. I strongly feel this is one of those cases.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
The liability of becoming involved in repairs that need to be left to the owner of the property @st22. The tricky issue with becoming liable for damage is that you don't realise it until it's too late. Take, for instance, your first example of incorrectly removing part of the flooring. You're assuming the flooring company will fix it. If fixing your mistake was not on their quote, you're now liable for paying the additional cost. Or, say you have another mould outbreak elsewhere. Since you became involved with this process, you're opening yourself up to being blamed for the mould spreading.
It comes down to risk versus reward, and there is little reason why you'd attempt to repair, acquire quotes, or get involved with this process if the property management is already handling it. That's their job, and my advice would be that you leave it up to them.
Mitchell
