Don’t Let Your Sub-Floor Make Your Health Sub-Optimal

16 Apr

No one hears “concrete” and thinks of a porous, absorbent surface. However, that’s exactly what it is. When concrete is laid, it requires plenty of water to be fluid and shapeable. As the concrete dries, that water evaporates, leaving behind a hard, porous surface. In a humid environment like the Gulf Coast, the foundation of your home is primed to absorb and hold a significant amount of moisture.

A Solid Dilemma

The Southern coastline has a high volume of airborne mold, and your home is predisposed to invasion from these toxic spores. For example, when flooring is laid over the concrete foundation of a new home, the excess moisture is absorbed in the concrete underneath, making it vulnerable to rapid mold growth. This moisture can also come from your home being exposed to precipitation and humidity before the windows, doors, and roof are added. It may linger from the concrete’s drying process, especially if the floor is laid too soon after the foundation is poured, or the weather has been particularly humid or stormy for an extended period of time.

More than half of common home flooring is highly susceptible to mold growth. This is especially true of laminate flooring, which is more porous, even, than wood and prone to swelling from excess moisture. Mold has many places within laminate to grow, due to the layered nature of this material. This growth can cause rapid deterioration of the laminate, leading to unsightly peeling, chipping, and of course possible health issues from the mold beneath. Hardwood flooring is similarly susceptible to mold infestations, along with carpet and adhesive vinyl. Tile is not vulnerable to mold, but surprisingly, grout is.

Adding Fuel to the…Fungus?

Mold only needs moisture, warmth, and a food source to thrive. The coastal environment automatically provides both moisture and warmth, so it’s critical that your home is built wisely to prevent your building materials from becoming a food source. Make sure the concrete of your home’s foundation has adequate time to dry before covering with flooring materials. Weatherproof the window and door cavities to prevent rain from seeping into your concrete through this sneaky venue. Make sure that dehumidifiers are running for an adequate amount of time before the flooring is laid to combat any residual, excess moisture.

Ask your contractor about including a moisture barrier over your concrete foundation to prevent your beautiful new floors from ruin. You’re not just protecting your home from mold and damage - you’re protecting your family from dangers to their health and safety that are guaranteed to follow when moisture and mold permeate the very foundation of your life.