Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Flooring On Concrete? (Find Out Now!)

Mold is a common household problem, and you probably already know about mold in bathrooms and kitchens. Unfortunately, these pesky microorganisms grow just about anywhere. Mold thrives where it has moisture, food, and oxygen, but can mold really grow under your vinyl flooring?

Mold grows under vinyl flooring on concrete. Even though it seems like a very small space, mold can find the oxygen, food, and water it needs to grow. Mold under vinyl flooring indicates a water leak or high humidity. Clean up visible mold, and seal the edges of the flooring. Replace any wood that has mold.

Before you start squeamishly tiptoeing across your floors, let’s take a closer look at mold under vinyl flooring and how to eliminate it.

Mold can grow under linoleum and laminate flooring. Mold grows more easily under linoleum than vinyl flooring because there are seams between each square. If the seams are not sealed, you have an entire room of entry points for mold.

Laminate floors are installed with vapor barriers, but even this doesn’t guarantee that mold won’t grow under the flooring. Water gets into the wood and vapor barrier through seams that are not sealed. The laminate swells and starts to peel from the backing, exposing the vapor barrier. This is where mold spores find a new home.

Related Questions

How do you install vinyl flooring on concrete?

Fill cracks and holes in the concrete with a slurry of cement and water. Seal the concrete with two coats of a penetrating sealer. Let the sealer dry and set. Install the vinyl over the concrete, and make sure there are no air bubbles.

What is a vapor barrier for vinyl plank flooring on concrete?

A vapor barrier for vinyl plank flooring is a thin piece of plastic that prevents moisture from reaching the subflooring. A vapor barrier should be installed even if you are putting vinyl plank flooring on concrete.

We learned that mold can grow under vinyl flooring that is installed on concrete. Mold can also grow under linoleum and laminate floors. Mold spores only need a small amount of oxygen, cellulose, and moisture to grow colonies. The spores get under your vinyl flooring through small cuts in the surface, seams, and gaps along the edges of the flooring.

Black mold is the most common type of mold that grows under vinyl flooring on concrete. This describes a variety of molds that are black or brown. Black mold is harmful if it is inhaled.

If you find black mold on your vinyl flooring, spray it with bleach, and have a professional install new flooring. You should also have a plumber check for water leaks.

If you find bubbles in your vinyl flooring or notice any discoloration, these are signs of mold between the vinyl and concrete. It is impossible to clean mold from under vinyl flooring while leaving the flooring intact. The best solution is to replace the flooring.

Repair and seal the concrete before new flooring is installed. Make sure that there are no bubbles under the vinyl, and check for seams, gaps, and cuts in the material. Replace baseboards and wood trim that has signs of mold or moisture.

Mold also grows under linoleum and laminate flooring. Spores and water penetrate the flooring along the seams. Even a vapor barrier will not prevent mold colonies. Make sure that the seams are sealed, and keep the floors clean. This reduces the likelihood of mold colonies forming under your flooring.