Water damage can cause your tile flooring to loosen, become discolored, or even grow mold. In this article, we will discuss how to fix water damage under tile floors, what happens if water gets underneath tiles, and signs of water damage under the floor.
Water Damage to Tile Floor
One of the main issues that water damage causes to your tile flooring is that it can make it loosen up over time. The adhesive that’s holding your tiles into position will slowly be deteriorated by the presence of excess moisture. If you notice that tiles in your home are beginning to loosen up and stop sticking to the floor like they are supposed to, this is often a clear sign that you have water damage that you don’t know about.
What Happens if Water Gets Underneath Tiles?
If water gets underneath your tiles, it can cause serious damage to your subfloor and the tile itself. It can cause your subfloor to rot away and weaken, leading to further problems with your flooring. Moreover, water can promote the growth of mold, which can be dangerous to your health.
Can Mold Grow Under Tile Floors?
Yes, mold can grow under tile floors if there is enough moisture. Mold thrives in damp environments, and if there is water damage to your tile flooring, mold can begin to grow underneath the tiles. Therefore, it’s important to take care of water damage promptly to avoid mold growth.
Water Under Tile Floor in Bathroom
Bathrooms are a common area for water damage to occur in homes. If you notice any signs of water under your bathroom tile flooring, you should take action immediately. The first step is to find the source of the water damage. If it’s from something like flooding or a burst pipe, you can skip this step. However, if you aren’t sure what’s causing the water damage, you need to get a professional to locate the source of the damage.
How Do You Fix Water Damage Under Tile Floors?
If you notice one or two tiles coming loose, pull them up so that you can see what sort of damage has occurred below. Often you’ll see that the lower floor is rotting away and you have a serious issue that you need to take care of. The major repair that you need to make when fixing up your tile flooring is to replace damaged subfloor products that might be soft or weak as a result of the water.
After you fix up the floor underneath, it’s time to reinstall your tile flooring again or to replace the messed up tiles to complete your tile repair. It’s important to note that you may have to replace some of the tiles during your tile repair. Often water damage doesn’t actually affect the tiles themselves, but in some extreme cases, it can. If the tiles are damaged, they need to be removed and replaced.
Water Seeping Up Through Tile Grout
If you notice water seeping up through your tile grout, it’s a clear sign that you have water damage. This can occur if there is a leak or excess moisture in the area. It’s important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Signs of Water Damage Under Floor
There are several signs of water damage under the floor. These include:
- Tiles coming loose or becoming discolored
- A musty smell in the room
- Wet or damp spots on the floor
- Discoloration or warping of the floorboards
- Mold growth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately.