Subfloor Damage
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Subfloor damage happens when water seeps through your floors and soaks the hidden layer beneath (usually plywood or OSB wood). It’s like a secret sponge under your carpet or tiles—you might not see it, but it can rot, warp, or grow mold if not fixed fast!
Warning Signs:
- Squishy floors (bouncy or soft spots when walking)
- Musty smells (mold growing underneath)
- Buckling tiles (water swells the subfloor, popping tiles up)
- Stained baseboards (water wicks up walls from below)
Why It’s Tricky:
- Often hidden until major damage is done
- Requires pulling up flooring (like carpet, laminate, or vinyl) to access
- Can compromise structural safety if left untreated
Example: After the fridge leak, the laminate floor looked fine—but the subfloor underneath was black with mold and had to be replaced.
💡 Key Fact: Subfloors dry 10x slower than surface floors—special drying mats or injections are often needed!
⚠️ DIY Danger: If you miss even 5% moisture, mold can regrow. Pros use moisture meters to check.
Visual: Like termite damage… but caused by water instead of bugs! 🐜➡️💦
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