Sealing/Cleaning Mold & Water Damage on subfllor

michaeloro · 09-16-2011, 12:12 PM

I am in the process of putting down a new laminate floor in my living room.
I started pulling up the old laminate which was put down before I moved in, it is glued down, no vapor barrier. By the front door there is a little spot maybe a total of 2 or 3 sq feet. The board is solid, appears just to be superficial. I think it was due to the front door not having any weather lining before I moved in, which I took care of a couple years ago.

I don't think the subfloor needs replacing. I intend to try and clean the mold and water, then put down underlayment and new laminate.

I searched a lot and see everyone saying to clean the area which bleach and then use kilz to seal it, although there is some disagreement on brand, etc...

My question is can someone tell me the exact product to buy, Kilz has a # of different types of there products, oil vs water based, etc... Or if anyone has some other suggestions I would love to hear them, as long ts the product is widely available like at home depot or lowes.

Thanks for the help.

JazMan · 09-16-2011, 03:32 PM

Hi Michael,

I've got a better idea, one that actually works. Bleach is almost useless to kill mold on porous materials. I recommend you use Concrobium instead. http://www.concrobium.com/

You should not need to apply any primer/sealers on the spots afterwords.

The orange place carries Concrobium as well as many neighborhood hardware stores.

Jaz

Floor Doc · 09-16-2011, 04:39 PM

I use a product called Microban .

Microban Disinfectant Spray - Mildewcide, Bactericide, Fungicide, Deodorizer, Anti-Microbial
Jaz is right , Bleach will kill it , but won't prevent it from coming back .

michaeloro · 09-16-2011, 05:24 PM

Thanks to both of you, I appreciate the advice

Floor Doc · 09-16-2011, 07:22 PM

Welcome