Mold Remediation in Waleska, GA

A town built around a college

Waleska incorporated in 1889 and grew up around Reinhardt University. It's small, with 921 residents at the 2020 Census, about 7 miles northwest of Canton and roughly 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta in a straight line. State Routes 140 and 108 run through, and the Funk Heritage Center is a local draw. Lake Arrowhead, a residential reservoir community, lies about 2 miles west of town.

Permits come from the county

Unlike most cities, Waleska doesn't run its own permit office. Cherokee County's Development Service Center issues permits for all construction in unincorporated Cherokee County and in the City of Waleska. If mold removal leads to replacing framing, subfloor, walls or a roof, check with the Development Service Center about permits before work starts.

Lake homes and college rentals

Homes near a lake often deal with higher humidity and lots that slope toward the water, which can push moisture against foundation walls. Lower levels and crawl spaces in those houses deserve a regular look. Seasonal or weekend homes are a special case: when nobody's there and the AC is set high or off during a Georgia summer, humidity climbs and mold can start on furniture, drywall and closets.

Rentals near the university face the usual weak spots: bathroom fans that don't work, AC drain lines that clog, and leaks that go unreported between tenants. EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent and drying any wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.

Renters' basics

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 44-7-13) requires landlords to keep the premises in repair. Georgia Legal Aid says to make repair requests in writing and keep copies. Tenants can't withhold rent in Georgia, and repair-and-deduct carries risks Legal Aid spells out. For a housing code complaint, ask the city or Cherokee County which office covers your address. This is general information, not legal advice.

Health

Cherokee County Environmental Health, part of the North Georgia Health District with an office in Canton, takes mold complaints and gives information. It doesn't inspect homes, since there are no enforceable mold standards. EPA says mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs; people with asthma or weakened immune systems should keep away from moldy areas. See a health professional with concerns.

Picking a company

Cherokee County was one of four counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance after the September 2009 floods, and long-wet materials from any storm can hide growth. Georgia has no license for mold work, so ask how a company will contain the area and verify dryness. If they'll rebuild, check for a Georgia residential or general contractor license on GOALS Verify Now. Calling the number on this page connects you with an independent local company that works in Waleska.