hi everyone i need help

**navajo** · 26th October 2009, 06:19 PM

Hi. I have an investment property up the coast and it is about ten years old. Recently our tennant has moved out due to mould growing up the walls in the bedrooms and in
the wardrobes. We have had an inspector come out and find the cause of the problem. It was caused by rising damp due to poor sub floor ventilation, ground moisture and inadequate or no waterproofing in the bathroom and laundry. I have fixed two of these problems leaving only the waterproofing in the two rooms. Now this where the problems start. The yellow toungue flooring that is under the floor has had water leaking on it for quite some time. The boards are swollen quite severly and have turned black. So this brings me to my question. With this damage to these boards do i need to replace the boards or are they good enough to stay? If anybody could help me this would be great thanks

**wheelinround** · 26th October 2009, 06:28 PM

Ask yourself would you live with boards that are now riddled with mould, weak and could crumble

Cause breathing problems and respiratory infections from spores.

I know I wouldn't

.

Just to clarify I've been a landlord with a similar situation of leaky roof caused by workman installing Foxtel which flooded laundry mould grew fast and the people had no choice but to move out, as hubby was asthmatic.

**Christopha** · 26th October 2009, 06:56 PM

If you need to even ask the question you ain't real bright son!
Son, I say, SON, thinkaboudit!!!!!

**TermiMonster** · 26th October 2009, 07:13 PM

You really are gawd's evil twin , aren't you christopha.

**Christos** · 26th October 2009, 07:30 PM

Replace the boards.

And by the way. Welcome to the forum.

**Christopha** · 26th October 2009, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by termimonster

you really are gawd's evil twin , aren't you christopha.

yep!

**munruben** · 26th October 2009, 08:55 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum. I would replace the boards, they can be sanded back down to level if they are not rotten. (Not reccommended) This is a practice of new home builders when new work gets swollen due to wet weather but this is usually minimal swelling and of course, no mould.

**Billy** · 26th October 2009, 09:29 PM

A friend had the same problem, he tried sealing the yellow tongue boards but the smell of the sealer was awful. In the end he tore the boards up and replaced them. Prior to putting the new boards down he had good access to the underfloor area and had it sprayed for termites and had a sparky in to check the underfloor wiring and tv and phone cabling. Also got a plumber in for a check. Good luck, cheers, Billy

**artme** · 26th October 2009, 09:37 PM

G'day Navajo and welcome to the workshop.

Do the job properly and remove all damaged flooring, inspect all the bearers and joists and check the wall frames if it look like the moisture has spread there.
Replace what needs to be replaced and fix the leaks at the same time.

Might cost a bit now but will ultimately be your best option.

**Sawdust Maker** · 27th October 2009, 08:51 AM

I agree with the above - replace properly, then no worries for a long time

also check with your accountant - it might be maintenance and thus a tax deduction

**orraloon** · 28th October 2009, 09:58 AM

I would follow the general advice given so far. I would also be taking it up with the builder who did the substandard work in the first place. At 10 years it may be too late for warranty but I would at least make my feelings known.
Having been down the investment property road I would not recommend it to anyone. The owner has the least protection of any of the involved parties and gets treated by the rest as the golden goose.

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