Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Ball Ground, GA

Ball Ground homes

Ball Ground is a small city of about 2,600 people in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, roughly 41 miles north of Atlanta in Cherokee County, with a National Register historic district downtown. Its housing includes historic homes from the 1880s through the 1920s and subdivisions built since 1997. In the September 2009 floods, the Sharp Mountain Creek gauge at Ball Ground reached its 18-foot flood stage, and Cherokee County was later designated for FEMA Individual Assistance.

What to do first

1. Track humidity with a hygrometer; EPA recommends staying under 60 percent.
2. Find the source: steam, a sweating window, a slow leak or a damp crawl space.
3. Put on gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator.
4. Clean hard surfaces with detergent and water; dry them completely.
5. In older homes, go gently on plaster and painted trim, and stop if the material crumbles.
6. If the spot returns, call for a moisture assessment rather than cleaning again.

Historic houses can need a lighter touch. Plaster, old wood and early paints do not always respond well to heavy scrubbing or harsh cleaners, and some old paints contain lead, so avoid sanding. If you are unsure, ask a company to look before you start, especially on original trim or walls.

Signs and likely causes

Cost factors

Angi's Atlanta cost guide reports bathroom mold work at about $587 to $1,174 and larger jobs at roughly $12 to $29 per square foot. Historic materials, tight crawl spaces and removal of drywall or insulation can raise the price. Ask whether the estimate covers the moisture fix and a follow-up check. Ask City Hall which office handles building permits for repair work in Ball Ground. Cherokee County Environmental Health in Canton receives mold complaints and gives information but does not inspect homes.