I have a moisture problem in my apartment. My toilet is the worse affected. I am looking to remove the skirting, clean off the mould, sand the floor as the mould looks embedded, then seal the floor and reseal the toilet. Then prime, fill, sand and paint the walls.
Would like to know filing the floor might be a better option
Hello @AlanAttenborough
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about the mould in your toilet suite.
I suspect that the mould may have originated from the toilet itself. You have a back to wall toilet suite called the Caroma Opal which was conservatively introduced back in the late 90's. It's very likely that any rubber seals that are currently in place may have deteriorated or have given way altogether. I propose engaging the services of a plumber to remove and service your toilet suite to make sure that you have a batch of fresh rubber seals to prevent water and moisture from coming out and causing mould to proliferate.
You'll probably see that there is mould on the inside section of the toilet where the skirt meets up with the wall as well. Once the wall and floor have been properly cleaned along with the skirting board, I propose sealing the floor with a clear polyurethane sealer to prevent mould from entering the timber surface again. I suggest using a superior primer such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-1l-flat-aquablock-waterproof-primer-undercoat_p1560469 on your walls and ceiling to protect it from mould. For the topcoat I recommend the https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-interior-paint-wash-wear-plus-kitchen-bathroom-low-sheen-vivid-white-4l_p1370128 tinted to your preferred colour.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @TedBear, @JoeAzza, @DIY4Knuckleheds and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Good Evening @AlanAttenborough
I actually like the floor, I wouldnt think it needs to be covered. I would also be tracing the moisture in the room/or outside the room as something has caused the mold, The reason why I think its worth looking into it some more is the walls like like they may have been affected by moisture long term.
For the amount of mold (the black we can see in the corner) I would have expected the corner to be very wet (and yeah seals on the toilet as @EricL has suggested could be the culprit) The more I look at the floor around the toilet the more I think it could be worthwhile to get a plumber to replace the seals before you start ytour hard work.
Dave
Hi @AlanAttenborough
The walls don’t appear to be water damaged or affected by mould. They just appear to be very damaged and deteriorating from age and possibly some structural movement. It may just need a good clean and sand then filled, sanded, primed and painted. The floor at the skirts and parts of the skirts themselves appear water damaged and not effected by mould. it’s worth getting a plumber in to check if the toilet is the cause or possibly internal water ingress. Water could be making its way from the source around behind the skirting which is why just the edges of the floorboards are softening.
Nailbag
Hi @AlanAttenborough, another point of view... despite how good it looks when new, timber isn't a good surface for ac toilet. Everytime a toilet is flushed out spreads tiny droplets of water around. Whilst I don't believe that it's a personal risk (else I ought to dead by now, not 75), in time it can leave enough moisture build up for mould to grow in. After patching up the walls, (I agree with @Nailbag on those) I'd suggest either tiling the floor, or have it fully cleaned, gaps and all, and then fully laquered over to fill the gaps and prevent any water droplets getting into it.
That’s an excellent pickup by @TedBear on how the boards and skirts have been impacted by splashing water. I’m now leaning towards his theory based on the type and level of damage. Having the floor tiled is also an excellent suggestion.
