I recently dealt with a sewage backup and a bathroom flood, which led to a lot of damage. The demo crew took out the tile floor and removed two feet of the walls exposed to black water. Underneath the tile was a Hardie backer cement board sitting on a plywood subfloor. They disinfected the Hardie board but didn't remove it to check the wet subfloor beneath. I found that the plywood underneath is quite wet, as I went under the raised house after the flood. I'm using dehumidifiers and fans, but I'm worried the plywood won't dry properly with the cement board still on top. Can anyone advise on whether the plywood subfloor will dry underneath the Hardie board?
2 Answers
If you have dehumidifiers and fans running, it can help, but the Hardie board may really slow down the drying process. It's typically better to remove any damp material as soon as possible to prevent further issues. Maybe give your insurance a call and see what they can do.
Honestly, I'd be cautious. It’s surprising they didn’t remove the Hardie board, especially considering the health risks with mold after water damage. If it were me, I would just take it out to ensure the plywood dries properly. I mean, it’s only 55 square feet, right? Better to be safe than sorry!
Yeah, it’s better to be thorough now than deal with mold later. Hopefully your insurance can help cover any extra work needed!
I might just do that. Thanks for the suggestion!