Mold in Walls & Drywall in Norcross, GA

Where wall moisture comes from in Norcross

Norcross is a Gwinnett County city of about 17,200 people, around 17 miles from Atlanta, bounded on the south by Interstate 85. Beaver Ruin Creek runs through the area, and during the September 2009 floods the NWS gauge on Crooked Creek at Norcross rose above flood stage on September 21. Homes near creeks that took water then may have drywall that was replaced only partway up, leaving damp board or insulation behind it.

Day to day, the usual sources are leaking plumbing inside walls, rain driven around windows by summer storms, and AC condensate lines or drain pans that overflow inside a closet wall. Rooms tucked against a hillside take on moisture from the clay outside. Older bathrooms with tile set directly on regular drywall are another repeat offender, because grout cracks let shower water soak the board behind the tile.

Cleaning the surface vs opening the wall

EPA notes that porous materials like drywall may have to be thrown away once moldy, and it advises against painting or caulking over mold.

Signs Norcross homeowners notice

• Bubbling or flaking paint along the bottom of a wall
• Gray or black spotting behind a dresser on an outside wall
• A stain on the wall shared with a bathroom
• Drywall tape lifting at a corner
• An earthy smell that is strongest with the door closed

Seasonal notes

Humidity peaks from June into September, and that is when condensation stains on cool walls and overflowing AC drain pans turn up most. Spring storms bring the window and roof leaks. Get a leak fixed right away whatever the season. For the rebuild, the City of Norcross Building Official on Lawrenceville Street reviews plans, issues permits and inspects work, so ask your contractor whether a permit applies.