How to clean subfloor after shower waterproofing failed?

yannrandri

Hi

we had a water issue where the waterproofing on the shower  upstairs failed and water went through the ceiling of the bedroom below. Plumber came and had to cut a hole in the ceiling to see the issue.

While we are getting the waterproofing redone, we can see inside the hole that the subfloor is mouldy and was wondering if there is anything we need to do to get this cleaned up before gyprock the ceiling back?

Thanks for any help

  

MitchellMc

Hi @yannrandri,

It's important to address the mould issue thoroughly before proceeding with any repairs. You can certainly try using a bleach solution to kill off the mould on the subfloor. A mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water sprayed on the affected areas can help disinfect the area. However, the most important step is to have the subfloor assessed by a professional to ensure it is still structurally sound.

If the leak had been ongoing for a period of time without being noticed, the water may have caused damage beyond just mould, possibly affecting the structural integrity of the subfloor. A professional will be able to evaluate whether the subfloor needs to be replaced or if any other repairs are necessary before sealing everything back up.

Once the subfloor is confirmed to be in good condition, you can proceed with waterproofing the shower area again and then repair the ceiling.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell