Learn How to Repair Water Damage Behind Shower Tiles

Water damage in bathrooms, specifically on tiled shower walls, is typical in old homes. Usually, in aged homes, tiles were set in place directly on drywall without coating a waterproof barrier between them. So when moisture reaches the tile's grout joints, drywall's structural quality decreases.

However, water damage can still happen even a moisture barrier is coated between the tiles and drywall. Inefficient maintenance of grout joints and poor caulking allow dampness to seep beneath the tiles, making them faulty. As a result, water leaks, the development of mold and mildew, and wood rot occur.

A homeowner like you must know how to solve this kind of water damage problem. In this article, you will learn effective tips on stopping water damage from occurring behind your shower tiles.

Know the Signs of Water Damage Behind your Shower Tiles

Water damage behind your bathroom tiles is not always noticeable. Here are the minor signs to consider when determining whether something unpleasant is taking place beneath your tiles: 

• Uncontrolled water increase around the shower area

• Damp walls or ceiling

• An undesirable odor (due to mold and mildew infestation) that stays even though you do your best in cleaning and sanitizing your bathroom

• Cracks or holes and even discolorations on the grout lines

• Caulk is peeling off.

• Tile is loosening

How to Mend Water Damage Beneath Your Shower Tiles

This Do-It-Yourself job requires more time to finish. Drying the materials during the process is necessary. Ensure to have suitable tools and items before you start, such as:

utility knife, putty knife, flat pry bar, wallboard saw, cement backer board, cement board screws, notched trowel, thin-set adhesive, mesh tape, tile grout, durable gloves, and electric fans

When you have got all the equipment needed, you may begin the repair task by following the helpful tips below.

1. Assess the Damage in the Bathroom

The first thing you will have to do is assess the damage to find out the cause of the issue. If you notice the water comes straight behind the tiles, the reason may be a plumbing leak. In this situation, seeking help from a professional who can repair the damaged pipe is highly recommended.

2. Uninstall the Tiles Carefully

Pick a putty knife or a flat pry bar to detach the bathroom tiles carefully from the impaired backer board. Take out more tiles to show two to three inches of drywall around the affected site. Then, soak the tiles in warm water with detergent liquid or powder to clean them up. 

3. Remove the Damaged Drywall

Remove the damp drywall in pieces using your hands. Remove another two inches of wall material around the impaired site. Also, take out all the revealed nails or screws.

4. Deal with Wood Framing Appropriately

Take off any rotted wood in the area and replace it with a new one. As for the undamaged framing, use a water-and-detergent solution to scrub it. Use heavy electric fans to dry them out completely. The drying process may take a few days, so please wait until it gets dried thoroughly to prevent mold from generating into the new backer board.

5. Install a New Cement Board Patch

Begin installing your new cement board, which should be as thick as the first backer board. Pick a utility knife to score and cut the patch. Allow a 1/8-inch gap between the cement board and the original wall material. Fasten the patch to the wall framing using appropriate screws designed for the cement board.

6. Tape and Fill Wall Joints

Pick a self-adhesive mesh tape (designed for cement board) and place it between the original backer board and the board patch. Use a drywall knife to fill the joints around the patch with a thin-set adhesive.

7. Reinstall, Grout, and Caulk the Clean Tiles, then Seal for Protection

With a notched trowel, coat another layer of thin-set adhesive to the wall. Next, put the clean tiles onto the adhesive, aligning the grout joints with the existing bathroom tiles. Once the glue or adhesive dries, fill the tiles with a grout similar to the former grout.

When the grout has been set and hardened, seal grout lines by applying an appropriate tile grout sealer. Allow it to dry before using pure silicone caulk to caulk the joints and the gap between the tile and the shower pan. 

This process protects your shower tiles and walls by preventing your cement-based grout from absorbing moisture, therefore keeping stains and grease from infiltrating.

Learn How to Prevent Water Damage Behind the Shower Tiles

Here's what you need to do to ensure your shower walls are always in good shape:

• As much as possible, abstain from using acidic products or harsh household cleaners in cleaning your bathroom.

• Make sure your shower room is well-ventilated to prevent accumulating lots of moisture. 

• Invite fresh air to come into your bathroom by opening the windows there. 

• After using the shower room, wipe the walls. Don't forget to place damp towels into the laundry basket. 

• Apply a good tile grout sealer to reseal grout joints every year or two. 

• Purchase a high-quality epoxy grout if you know that your home, especially your bathroom, is prone to having excessive moisture. 

If You Need Assistance to Deal with Water Damage Behind Your Shower Tiles, Contact Superior Restoration

Sometimes, repairing the issue behind your shower tiles on your own is challenging. No worries, Superior Restoration is here to help you deal with your water damage problem. 

Our company handles all types of water damage issues, from minor to severe ones. We have trained specialists who are ready to turn your property back in order. Superior Restoration is always available in emergencies 24/7. 

For further inquiries about our water damage and mold remediation services, contact us today!

 

Black Mold: What You Need To Know

All types of mold species, particularly black mold, cherish moisture and feed on organic material. It creeps anywhere in your home, specifically with water damage. You think you have a healthy home, but if you carefully inspect each area of your house, you will notice some mold patches. Black mold is commonly seen in the basement, kitchen, or bathroom.

 

As soon as you see black mold spots in your home, remove them right away. Black mold exposure causes serious health risks, especially to humans and animals who have a mold allergy or are sensitive to mold. Moreover, it can harm your property if not correctly addressed. That is why medical experts recommend killing all types of mold found indoors. 

 

If the black mold colony is not bigger than 10 square feet, you can get rid of it yourself by following the recommended tips in this article. However, for larger mold problems, it's best to seek help from mold remediation professionals. 

 

What is Black Mold, and How does it Enter Your Home?

 

Black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is greenish-black in color. The mold itself isn't harmful, but the mycotoxins it produces are toxic. When mold spores with mycotoxins are disturbed, they spread out to other areas in your home where you and your family members can breathe them in.

 

Toxic black mold spores typically find their way into your home by sticking to clothes and pet fur and through the windows and doors. Once they are indoors, they settle in wet items, damp areas, or water-damaged sites caused by leaky pipes or floods. 

 

Once you are exposed to this type of mold, you will have adverse health effects. The most common symptoms of black mold poisoning include allergic reactions (chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, rashes), vomiting, chronic fatigue, and persistent headaches. 

 

Those who have a delicate immune system will experience more health problems. Seek medical aid immediately to prevent further health injury. Creating an action plan to eliminate black mold from your home is an excellent choice. 

  

What to Do to Eliminate Toxic Black Mold at Home

 

The first thing you have to do before the black mold removal task is to wear protective equipment such as a dust filter mask, goggles, rubber gloves, and clothing that shields your whole body.

 

1. Completely Dry the Affected Spots in Your Home

 

Remember, mold loves moisture. So if you have not properly remediated the moisture issue, black mold will start growing again. Consider doing the following:

 

• Search for cracks in pipes and leaks in damp spots around tubs or sinks and make repairs. 

• Water may flow into your home through dirty and broken gutters, so make sure to check the condition of your gutters and clean them regularly.  

• To keep your crawl space and basement dry, ensure the ground around your property slopes away.

• Allow the air to circulate freely in your home for more improved ventilation. It keeps the indoor surroundings dry. 

 

2. Close the Room Tightly Where the Black Mold is Expanding

 

Seal off vents and doorways using plastic sheets or tarp and duct tape. This action stops mold spores from spreading in your home when disturbed during the whole process of mold removal. 

 

3. Check the Affected Areas Carefully

 

Search for salvageable items in the affected sites and segregate them from severely mold-infested materials. You should discard terrible moldy items. 

 

4. Remove the Black Mold 

 

Here’s what you need to do:

 

1. Ensure the whole affected area is dried and sealed off. 

 

2. Scrub the affected sites with a detergent solution. For tougher moldy parts, wash and scrub them away multiple times.

 

3. If you tend to choose natural home remedies that are safe for kids and pets, use one of these simple household-solution options:

 

• Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide. It's less corrosive than bleach or ammonia and effectively eliminates black mold in your home. It has the strength to inhibit mold spores from coming back. 

 

Formulate a mixture by combining one teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water into a spray bottle. Then spray the solution on moldy spots and leave it for several minutes. Wipe the mold away using a disposable towel.

 

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great removal choice for small mold situations. It's also powerful at absorbing mold and mildew odors. 

 

To form a paste, mix 50% baking soda with 50% water. Apply it to the moldy area and let it dry. Scrub the area thoroughly with a cleaning brush or sponge. Then wipe the excess away using a paper towel.

 

• White-distilled Vinegar

White-distilled vinegar is an inexpensive and uncomplicated solution to eliminating black mold. Also, it is much safer than ammonia or bleach.

 

Pour enough vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously onto the moldy sites. Then scrub down the mold with a brush. Spray on the affected areas again and wipe them down using a damp towel.

 

•  Grapefruit Seed Extract

The grapefruit seed extract is a non-toxic solution that effectively kills mold. It's also a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. 

 

Formulate a mixture by combining 10 drops of grapefruit extract with 1 cup of water into a spray bottle. Then spray the solution onto the affected sites and leave it for 10 minutes. Wipe any excess away with a disposable towel.

 

5. Right after cleaning, dry the affected spots immediately using dehumidifiers and fans. Also, you can use a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner to vacuum the remaining mold spores.  

 

6. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is also effective for the control and prevention of mold growth. Consider having one or two in your home. 

 

Contact Mold Remediation Experts

 

Seek assistance from an expert if the mold infestation is larger than 10 square feet. Superior Restoration specialists are always ready to help you deal with mold issues. We are available 24/7. 

For water damage and mold remediation services, call us today!

 

Tips to Remove and Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Closet

Mold is an unwanted guest that stays happily anywhere, particularly in homes. And you would never think that your closets are a comfortable place for it to start growing. Indeed, it's not great news for the homeowner to cope with. 

 

Mold growth in closets begins in the right conditions: poor ventilation, dark recesses, organic food sources, and moisture issues. If you have no idea how to eliminate it, mold spores could spread to your precious clothes and cause unexpected damage.

 

You, as the homeowner, can hinder stubborn mold from invading your closets with some deep cleaning, enough air circulation to prevent moisture, and the use of the appropriate chemicals. 

 

What is mold, and where does it come from?

 

Mold is a microorganism that comes in various colors, including black, green, white, gray, yellow, pink, and even purple. Mold generally enters your home through the doors and windows. It can also pass through the air conditioning/heating system. 

 

Once mold spores start generating indoors, they can quickly spread, infest, and damage anything in your home. Worst of all, it can threaten your health. 

 

Mold enjoys occupying dark and moist environments where the air isn't circulating well. So that makes your custom closet one best nest for mold colonies to grow and flourish. 

 

Causes of Mold in Your Closet

 

Some of the common culprits behind mold infestation in your closet, including:

 

• Moldy fabrics

Cotton provides “food” for mold. Also, one nature of fabrics is to absorb and retain moisture. If you have moldy clothes hanging in your closet, mold spores can quickly spread and dwell in various sites such as the walls and carpeting.

 

• Humidity

Mold adores moisture so much. Closets are dark, isolated areas and become conducive to mold growth once humidity accumulates there.

 

• Attic Mold

Roof or ceiling leaks and even high humidity can add dampness to your attic. Mold generates through wallboards and ceiling tiles, migrating and settling in new areas such as closets.

 

• Water Damage

Water damage commonly leads to mold growth and infestation; either the reason is a leaky ceiling or a plumbing problem.

 

So How Do You Know If Your Closet Has Mold?

 

In general, your nose knows. It will let you know if your precious closet has mold because the first sign you will sense is a musty odor.

 

Other signs of mold in your closet are:

 

• Staining. Mold can show itself as black, green, white, yellow, brown, or gray stains or spots on your closet floor and walls.

 

• Bubbling Surfaces or Peeling Paint. Moisture beneath your closet's wall surfaces can make your paint bubble and peel. Remember, mold loves generating in humid sites. 

 

How To Remove Mold in Your Closet

 

You can take the following steps to remove this fungus in your closet:

 

Step 1: Open the windows in the room where the closet is to improve ventilation during the mold removal. You can use fans to help the air circulate in the room.

 

Step 2: Protect your carpet or flooring by laying a tarp or a plastic cover on it.

 

Step 3: Inspect your clothes and other belongings. Separate mold-infested items that you can save from those you need to throw away.

 

Step 4: Place a covering material on your furniture and other belongings or bring them out of the room. 

 

Step 5: Wear protective equipment such as a face mask, rubber gloves, and safety glasses (goggles) to avoid breathing mold in, getting it on your skin or in the eyes. 

 

Step 6: Pour some water into a spray bottle and spray all the moldy areas in your closet to keep mold spores from spreading around the room. 

 

Step 7: Start cleaning and treating the area using either one of the following solution options: 

 

Option #1: Vinegar Solution

 

Create a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water into a spray bottle. Spray any mold patches you see in your closet. Leave it for about 30 minutes before scrubbing down the affected area with a brush. 

 

Rinse each area with water, let it dry, and spray again using the same mixture. Air-dry everything thoroughly before putting your stuff back into the closet.

 

Option #2: Oxygen Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

 

Make a mixture of 50% either oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide with 50% water into a spray bottle. 

 

Spray the solution generously to the infested spots and leave it for 10 minutes before scrubbing the mold away. Then rinse and respray the affected areas and let them air-dry completely.

 

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products. Mixing them will produce poisonous gas.

 

Step 8: Don't let mold invade your closet again by focusing on mold prevention. Ensure humidity is kept as low as possible (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) to hinder mold growth.

 

Remember that the aforementioned DIY solutions do not ensure that you’ve eliminated your mold enemy completely. A mold remediation specialist can remove not only the mold but the source of the moisture as well. You may consider seeking help from them.

 

13 Tips to Prevent mold (and Mildew) from Growing in Your Closet

 

1. Ensure that all your clothes and other items are completely dry before storing them in your closets. Moisture in clothing is the perfect breeding ground for mold. 

2. Do not toss soiled clothes or unclean items back into the closet. Mold feeds on dirt found in fabric fibers and other organic substances. 

3. Avoid packing your clothes or other stuff too tightly in your closets. It traps humidity inside. Proper air circulation between your items is necessary to decrease moisture.

4. Avoid keeping clothes in plastic tubs or any sealed container. It's best to store them in breathable packaging. 

5. Strive to avoid storing items on the closet floor. You don't want moisture to get stuck beneath them.

6. Replace wood or solid shelves with wire shelving to improve air circulation in your closet. 

7. Consider changing your solid closet doors with louvered doors. They improve air circulation and inhibit mold growth.

8. Do not leave your closet doors open if they are in rooms with high humidity. 

9. Install a low-wattage light bulb in closets, but make sure it isn't near your clothes or other flammable items. Leave the light on for several hours or 24/7 if possible. The warmth from the light bulb can help keep the closet dry.

10. Emptying, cleaning, and drying your closets thoroughly should be part of your cleaning routine. Do it regularly to let fresh air circulate inside and decrease mold from growing.

11. Use the air conditioning unit or a dehumidifier to control the humidity in your home. They remove excess moisture from the air. 

12. Silica gel packs absorb moisture, so you can use them to make your closets dry. 

13. Please don't ignore musty smells in your closet. Search out the source until you find it. If you see a moisture problem, fix it or call a professional to help you deal with it. 

 

Contact an Expert

 

Mold can sneak even into your cleanest closets. And removing it on your own means risking your health. Call the experts at Superior Restore to help you deal with it. We are ready to serve you in emergencies 24 hours and 7 days a week. 

 

Contact us for mold remediation services and water damage repair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Clean Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

While mold is an important part of nature because it helps break down organic matter, indoors, it can be destructive and cause health hazards. They can go everywhere and will most commonly thrive in moist areas like the bathroom ceiling. But, there are also many ways to clean mold, even the mold that grows on your bathroom ceiling. 

Many species of mold can grow in your bathroom. But, the most common one is the black mold (known as Stachybotrys chartarum). Though “black mold” is not linked to any particular health conditions, mold exposure can be dangerous to some people. Very young and very old people can develop illnesses like allergies when they touch or inhale mold spores. People with weakened immune systems are also susceptible to mold-related health problems.

That being said, mold, whether it’s black or white, should be removed or cleaned in any areas of your home, including your bathroom ceiling. 

How To Clean Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if mold on your bathroom ceiling is not more than ten square feet wide, you can clean it on your own. Make sure to take extra precautions. However, if mold covers more than ten square feet, the work should be done by a mold removal professional. 

Things You Will Need;

• Household detergent
• Bleach
• Respirator 
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Microfiber cloths

Steps To Take Before Cleaning Mold on Your Bathroom Ceiling

1. Wear the proper clothing. You should wear a respirator, long rubber gloves, and safety goggles.

2. Ventilate the area. Open a window to allow fresh air in. But, you should close off the vents to prevent mold spores from spreading in other areas of your home while cleaning mold on the ceiling.

Cleaning Mold From Bathroom Ceiling

Step 1: Wash the area with a mold-killing cleaning solution.

Mix 1 cup of mild detergent with 1 gallon of warm water. Pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the affected area, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Then, you may use a brush or cloth to scrub off the mold. After doing it, you should rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry completely. 

After cleaning your ceiling with a cleaning solution, use bleach to fully kill off the mold. Mix one-quarter cup bleach with a quart of water. Apply the solution to the affected and let it sit for 20 minutes. Apply another solution and let it dry.

Step 2: Treat the Ceiling

After cleaning mold on your bathroom ceiling, it is important to treat the area. Cleaning alone will not guarantee that you have completely removed the mold spores. Mold can still linger and eventually cause structural damage again. 

To treat your ceiling, mix a solution of borate-based detergent (like Borax) and apply it in the moldy area. Do not rinse it, as Borate is used to prevent mold from growing in the future. 

How To Prevent Bathroom Mold

Cleaning mold and treating the area doesn’t mean you won’t have this problem again. Mold spores are always present and they can grow anywhere there is moisture. Thus, it is crucial to eliminate any source of moisture and control the humidity level of the room.

Once you clean the mold and mildew on your bathroom ceiling, do these steps to prevent or even minimize the chances of mold growth.

• Fix any leaky faucets or pipes. If there are pipes that run through your ceiling, it is important to check them for any signs of damage and repair them immediately.
• Increase ventilation. You may open doors and windows for proper air circulation and to help dry the room. Installing an exhaust fan or ventilation fan and running it during a shower and 30 minutes after a shower can help get rid of moist air.
• Clean your bathroom regularly to prevent mold growth inside your bathroom. 

 

Professional Mold Removal Services

Mold on your bathroom ceiling can cause structural damage and several health issues when not contained and treated properly. Our mold remediation services can help deal with any mold problems.

Superior Restoration is a certified Mold Remediation company. We have a team of highly trained professionals, ready to provide superior mold removal and remediation services.  With over 15 years of experience in the industry, you can trust we will do the job right. Rest assured that our mold experts will get your house back in its healthy condition.

Contact Superior Restoration today for more information.