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Imagine you’re a homeowner in the middle of a bathroom remodel, and you find that your underlayment and subfloor has sustained major water damage, weakening the integrity of your floor. This is an issue that must be investigated and fixed before any renovations can be completed. Most of the time, moisture damage is discovered during the demolition process, exposing damp discolored wood around the toilet, tub, shower, or sink. Signs of water damage can also include weakened flooring, stained walls, musty smells that do not dissipate, darkened plywood around the toilet, and unusual-looking structural framing.
The proper response to discovering water damage is to determine the source of moisture, whether the moisture leak is still active, and the extent of damage to underlayment and structural elements. The damaged building materials must be replaced and the source of moisture fixed before further renovation can continue.
Hidden moisture can cause damage to the flooring and structure of your bathroom, and getting rid of the affected areas is a top priority. It’s worth it to take care of the hidden water damage before proceeding with your remodeling project, to make sure your home is rid of hidden moisture, which can cause many problems for years to come if it isn’t dealt with properly.
Moisture and water damage doesn’t just disappear. It can seep into your floors, walls, and even the structure of your bathroom. This will eventually cause wood rot, which can cause structural damage if left untreated.
Mold is a direct result of moisture seeping into your home’s wood and other building materials. This can potentially cause serious health risks to your and your family. Mold spreads through porous surfaces, such as wood. Call a contractor that is experienced in water damage and mold remediation before remodeling your bathroom if you suspect any water damage or wood rot.
The priority is to stop water damage issues from occurring again. You must fix issues with plumbing, water drainage, and ventilation to prevent water damage from coming back to haunt you again in the future.
While it’s common for water damage to be discovered during demolition during a bathroom renovation, there can be other signs that precede this revelation.
Soft flooring around the toilet area is one of the most glaring signs. This can indicate water is seeping through the flange and saturating the underlayment and subfloor with moisture, softening the flooring, and potentially damaging the structural support. This may also occur around the tub or shower, due to leaking water around the shower enclosure or tub apron. Peeling paint can be another telltale sign of moisture damage.
The truth is some water damage may lay undetected for a long time. Homeowners may not see the damaged materials until the demolition process. Leaky pipes, faulty flanges, and bad seals may allow water to gradually saturate the flooring, as it seeps through the porous wood, spreading slowly and steadily until the wood is deteriorated.
If there is serious water damage, particularly if it has accumulated over a long period of time, all damaged wood, drywall, and building material should be removed and replaced. Black mold and microorganisms can grow unabated in wood, the porous surfaces providing a fertile ecosystem for mold to grow. Covering it up with new building materials and finishing is not a viable solution.
Areas to check for potential signs of long-term water damage include anywhere directly around the toilet, tub, or shower; the plywood, underlayment, and subfloor around these areas; and any place where the flooring seems softer than it should.
When you find damaged building materials, that’s only the first part of the equation. The underlying problem is the source of the water. Repairing the underlayment will solve the immediate problem, but unless the source water is identified, the wood rot and moisture will be an issue in the future.
The most common causes for moisture leaking into wood and underlayment are a leaking toilet connection (can be a loose or misaligned toilet flange), a drainage problem, shower enclosure failure, caulking deterioration at a critical point, recurring condensation, leaking sink drain, or water escaping from the shower area.
Once the water damage and source have been identified, the next question is whether moisture is still actively damaging the area, or whether it is strictly old damage.
While damaged underlayment, subfloor and any structural damage must be replaced, if there is an issue with active moisture, that must also be addressed.
It is crucial that any ongoing moisture damage issue is addressed and fixed before concealing the subfloor and underlayment.
With moisture damage with the shower enclosure, it is also important to find the source of water penetration. Older showers with tile and grout may have an underlying plumbing problem, if damage is present in the supporting walls. Grout typically absorbs moisture, and helps protect the wall behind the tile. Finding the sources of moisture is an important part of water damage mitigation and preventing future issues.
Though there can be a correlation between water damage and mold, these are not synonymous. Mold requires moisture to grow, and if you discover areas , these should be dried completely as soon as possible, within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
Areas that are persistently damp may be susceptible to mold growth, even if you do not see signs of mold. If the area of contamination is suspicious, or if the extent of damage from mold is uncertain, it may be better to be safe than sorry, as mold can spread if moisture is consistently present.
A licensed contractor should be able to determine the next course of action, and help recommend next steps for alleviating the problem. The most important thing is for the issue to be addressed before the underlying structure is concealed again by finishing material.
What if your contractor discovers unexpected water damage while remodeling your bathroom? The condition must be brought to the homeowner’s attention immediately, as the original quote may require a change order. Hidden damage is difficult to evaluate accurately, and a reasonable adjustment to the quote is normal. This applies only to unforeseen conditions which are usually discovered during the demolition process. Get any estimates and changes in writing from your remodeling contractor. Replacing damaged structural, subfloor, and underlayment is sometimes necessary, to prevent further degradation of your bathroom. It may or may not cause delays in the overall project, depending on the extent of water damage.
Moisture likes to travel along porous surfaces, and wood is extremely susceptible to microorganism growth when moisture is ever present. Remediation should always be your first course of action.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, or need water damage restoration for your home, JC Construction & Remodeling can help you. Our team has helped hundreds of homeowners in the Sacramento area with bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, room additions, and custom home remodeling. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation, reach out to our team or call (916) 644-7810. We look forward to helping you build the bathroom of your dreams.
JC Construction & Remodeling is more than just a construction company; we are your dedicated partners in transforming your vision into reality. With over a decade of industry experience, our locally owned and operated business has honed its craft, delivering exceptional home improvement solutions to our valued clients. Integrity and honesty are the cornerstones of our approach, guiding every interaction and decision we make. We understand that each project is unique.
Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire home or simply need a few repairs, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to exceed your expectations. At JC Construction & Remodeling, quality is not just a goal; it’s a standard we uphold in every aspect of our work. Specializing in general home improvement and remodeling, we take immense pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines our projects.
