discolored linoleum - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

72chevy4x4 · 01-25-2007, 02:38 PM

Because of a tub leak, the linoleum at a job is discolored-having a blackick haze under the surface. What is the discoloration due to-reaction of the subsurface of the linoleum or b/c of the adhesive? It's not mold growth, is it?

MattCoops · 01-26-2007, 10:34 PM

sounds like mold
do you have pic?

forget linoleum
use tile
vinyl is for cheapos
don't see why anyone would buy that stuff not to mention install it
the 80s are over
chuck that crud out the window

TOBIASD2 · 01-28-2007, 05:28 PM

Is It An Actual Linoleum Or Is It Sheetvinyl, There Is A Difference.

TOBIASD2 · 01-28-2007, 05:31 PM

It Also Sounds Like A Problem With The Adhesive Or Subfloor What Is Under It. Was It Installed By A Qualified Installer.

Rich Turley · 01-28-2007, 07:37 PM

Without seeing the situation, my guess would be particle board underneath that swelled and discolored. Mold may or may not be an issue at this time. I'd recommend replacement.

Rich

**Floorwizard** · 01-29-2007, 02:26 PM

Most likely the leak is causing rotting.
underlay and possibly subfloor removal is needed.

go back and reinstall whatever material suits you.

72chevy4x4 · 01-30-2007, 09:41 PM

Portions of the house were remodeled 15 years ago-this bathroom may have been updated at that time, but I'm not sure. To be honest, I don't know the difference in sheet vinyl and lineoleum-can someone educate me?

The offending leak was stopped. I pushed and poked at the floor and could not 'feel' any give. The discoloration is next to the tub where the leak occured-and apparently it was a single large event versus a long gradual leak. If it were vinyl, would it more prone to discolation from water damage at the subtrate level? When mold gets started, will it continue to grow-is it 'treatable' or the is only solution to rip it out?

**Floorwizard** · 01-30-2007, 10:40 PM

the difference between Vinyl and Lino was described a bit earlier and really does not matter in this case. But there are differences.

usually if the area where the Vinyl and Tub meet is not caulked correctly, then the water will penetrate and cause rotting.
But you would see the Vinyl curl up at the tub.

So maybe it's coming from underneath because vinyl is waterproof.