Can we salvage exisiting linoleum after shower leak??
by
Jodie S
+8
Some time ago we had a slow leak in our shower (from the time we moved into our brand new house). Our builder would not fix the damage caused by the leak. We have since found a contractor to install our new shower. I have picked the tiles for the floor and the walls. I have a question and am seeking advice on our existing linoleum. When our shower leaked some of the floor boards swelled a bit and the back side of the linoleum and floor board has some mold on it. My husbands opinion is that we can cut off the mold portion of the linoleum and save the rest. My opinion is to rip it out (not take any chances with mold regrowth as we have two children in the house with allergies) and install new floor board and tile. We are already into this job for $3000(which we have saved for) for installation of the new shower and money is tight. What are your opinions on keeping the linoleum? How much would have to be cut off past the mold if we did keep the existing linoleum? If we decided on ripping out the linoleum could we do some of the prep work ourselves to cut down on the costs? Thank you in advance for your expertice!
11 answers
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I always try to save money. You can always redo... maybe, wait?
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Apr 11, 2012
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Lee Anne, I always try to save. If I can't afford it (pay cash for it) then I wait. When I can afford it & decide what I really, really want I have it done properly. I'm not talented like you.
Sherrie S
on Apr 11, 2012
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I do cash or without like you. You can do it, I say wait & if it is damaged, then you can address it with a new look.
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Apr 11, 2012
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So I think your question, Jodie, is really "will the mold remain and/or spread on the linoleum?" I think the answer is no. Linoleum is inorganic, so I don't think the mold will spread or keep living on the linoleum. The mold has nothing to eat, so if you pull it up and wipe it down with bleach, it shouldn't come back or remain. The bigger question, though, is how you will remove it so it can be reattached, and how you will match it when you replace the moldy parts.
3po3
on Apr 11, 2012
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Thank you Sherrie and Lee Anne for your responses. Steve....this was exactly what my question was. Sorry if I did not "word it" correctly. I am concerned about the mold re-growing but from what you have said the linoleum will not be an issue it will just be treating the wood underneath and finding a way to re-attach the linoleum once it is cleaned up without damaging it. Food for thought...thanks again Steve. :)
Jodie S
on Apr 11, 2012
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Where in the country are you....makes a difference on the advise
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Apr 12, 2012
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My uncle's business is mold abatement. From all he's taught me, the issue is spores that have not sprouted into mold. While you may remove that mold you can see, you can't see the spores it's thrown off elsewhere. Those spores should be basically harmless until the right conditions for growth occur; then you have a problem. Considering you have this issue in a bathroom.............moisture, humidity can offer the right conditions for more mold developing, unless you have the mold abated. I would think you'd have plenty of spores waiting under the linoleum for the right conditions to appear again.
Becky H
on Apr 12, 2012
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I agree with you, Jodie. Your children come first and why take chances with mold?
Lisa M
on Apr 12, 2012
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Learn from me -we found a tiny puddle in our master bath. Plumber found over 20 sq feet of mold inside the walls...it became a government issue and we had to pay over $7000 to have it removed, and they knocked parts of five walls out - had to be wrapped and removed by men in suits. Insurance people said it was a slow leak that caused it (a stupid repairman did not fit a valve on correctly, probably several years ago -before we bought the house. Now I have two sinks on the floor, all vanities were torn out, mirrors torn out, and no insurance coverage. It's been a year and still can't even begin the work yet. Get rid of the mold before you end up like us!! Good luck!! p.s. EVERYONE make sure you have it in your policy to cover mold, especially in Texas and especially with Allstate insurance - our former insur company
Lora S
on Apr 12, 2012
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Try concrobium mold control. No smell. No bleach or amonia. Kills mold growth. 28. a gal at Home Depot. We have used it and my husband has a ton of alergies
Priscilla E
on Jun 17, 2012
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Nice comments. i need to pull up linoleum from exterior exit doorway in kitchen THEN replace warped pressed wood beneath.Then with budget constraints re-install linoleum.Do I pry off mop boards on adjacent kitchen cabinets or pull linoleum from beneath them and the door side facing boards & try later on re-install to slide linoleum back under these...with glue or what kind of ? adhesives on it's underside ? ALSO do I cut lines to width of damage ( plus a little extra) then just roll back linoleum to expose the pressed wood i wana replace? THANX In Advance.
Neal Shrum
on Oct 11, 2014
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