Hi,
Not sure if this is the right forum section, but I'll try here and you can move the thread if it's not correct.
I have a house from 1970 that I've started renovating. I thought I would install underfloor heating and soundproof the partition walls (future bedroom). Having said that, I've now taken down all the interior walls in the first room (two exterior walls and one interior wall) where there was masonite and have ripped up the two layers of old vinyl flooring.
I discovered what I think is water damage under the window, so my questions are:
Are there a lot of toxins in these old vinyl floors and the glue they used to attach them?
The insulation and wood smell a bit bad, and the insulation has gotten some stains. It's not rotten, should I replace the lower part of the frame and the insulation to avoid harmful substances in the air? (The insulation is dry now, by the way, and the windows will be replaced)
The reason I'm asking is that if I stay in this room for an extended period and fiddle around, I get a headache, so I'm wondering if it could be due to potential mold in the wall or the vinyl flooring, or maybe even the old masonite boards I've taken down from the walls?
Not sure if this is the right forum section, but I'll try here and you can move the thread if it's not correct.
I have a house from 1970 that I've started renovating. I thought I would install underfloor heating and soundproof the partition walls (future bedroom). Having said that, I've now taken down all the interior walls in the first room (two exterior walls and one interior wall) where there was masonite and have ripped up the two layers of old vinyl flooring.
I discovered what I think is water damage under the window, so my questions are:
Are there a lot of toxins in these old vinyl floors and the glue they used to attach them?
The insulation and wood smell a bit bad, and the insulation has gotten some stains. It's not rotten, should I replace the lower part of the frame and the insulation to avoid harmful substances in the air? (The insulation is dry now, by the way, and the windows will be replaced)
The reason I'm asking is that if I stay in this room for an extended period and fiddle around, I get a headache, so I'm wondering if it could be due to potential mold in the wall or the vinyl flooring, or maybe even the old masonite boards I've taken down from the walls?
I live in a house from 1977 myself, and I recognize some of what you're saying.
Insulation is the easiest to replace, and why not do it when you have the wall down anyway?
When it comes to mold, it's difficult! It could be from something you've torn out? Try airing it out thoroughly there and close the door, take the material outside.
Go in a day or a couple of hours later and see if you still get a headache, then maybe there's something more that's moldy?
I hope in any case that it works out for you.
Insulation is the easiest to replace, and why not do it when you have the wall down anyway?
When it comes to mold, it's difficult! It could be from something you've torn out? Try airing it out thoroughly there and close the door, take the material outside.
Go in a day or a couple of hours later and see if you still get a headache, then maybe there's something more that's moldy?
I hope in any case that it works out for you.
Speaking of bad smells; it smelled something awfully bad when we installed the vinyl flooring in my bedroom a couple of years ago, even with modern materials, so the smell itself doesn't have to have anything to do with it. Additionally, the scent didn't completely disappear until after about a couple of months.
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