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Pergo Floor Mold Problems Q.
We are wondering about what floor covering to use on a basement lower level
concrete floor. We just tore out a Pergo floor and discovered mold growth
under the plastic barrier. Would we be safe installing hardwood or carpet
if, through changes to our furnace system, we are able to keep the humidity
low? [Sept. 16, 2005]
A.
The mold results from moisture that is wicking upward from your concrete floor from
the earth below because of no or a degraded or damaged water moisture
barrier beneath the concrete. To seal your concrete floor against water
problems, your most effective flooring would be to
install ceramic tile set into cement containing adequate amounts of
waterproofing compound, with the grouting also done in cement with
waterproofing. The result is that no water can seep up through your basement
floor. You can use large, washable area rugs to introduce more beauty and
comfort to your tiled floors. As to the present mold situation, you need to
mold test your entire home with do it yourself mold test kits from a large
hardware or home improvement store. Follow the recommended 25
mold remediation
tips. Of course, anything you can do to reduce basement and home humidity is
a step forward.
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