Black Mold Removal in Marietta, GA

Do older homes near Marietta Square need a different approach?

Marietta, the Cobb County seat about 17 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, has six historic districts, including Whitlock Avenue, Church-Cherokee Streets and Northwest Marietta. Older homes there often have plaster walls, wood floors over crawl spaces and plumbing that has been updated in pieces. The method is the same as anywhere: stop the water, contain the work, remove what is ruined, and clean and dry what can stay. What changes is the care taken with materials. Plaster and old solid wood can often be cleaned, while later drywall patches, insulation and carpet usually come out. Ask the company how it will protect floors and trim it is not removing.

Is flooding a concern here?

Along certain creeks, yes. In the September 2009 floods, National Weather Service gauges listed at Marietta went above flood stage: Sewell Mill Creek crested at 13.26 feet against a 12-foot stage on September 21, and Sope Creek at 18.35 feet against a 12-foot stage. Homes near those creeks, or on low lots anywhere, can take on water in a big storm. EPA says that if a home could not be dried within 24 to 48 hours, assume mold growth. For everyday leaks, the same timeline applies: dry it fast or expect dark spots.

I rent. Who can help with the leak?

Start with written notice to the landlord and keep a copy; Georgia law requires landlords to keep the premises in repair. Cobb & Douglas Public Health says tenants with mold from a mechanical or structural failure may contact their local building inspections department, since it may be able to address the moisture problem. In Marietta, that is the city's Building Inspection Division, which enforces the state minimum codes for existing construction. Georgia does not allow rent withholding. This is general information, not legal advice.

One local note

The Building Inspection Division inspects remodels, plumbing and HVAC work in the city, so if removal leaves walls or floors to rebuild, ask the city about permits before the work starts. Georgia has no mold license; for rebuild work, ask whether the company holds a Georgia residential or general contractor license and check it on GOALS Verify Now.