Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Cumming, GA

Does being near Lake Lanier make mildew worse?

Cumming is the Forsyth County seat and the county's only incorporated city, about 7,300 people roughly 35 miles north of Atlanta along GA 400, near Lake Lanier and Sawnee Mountain. Being near the lake does not by itself create mold, but humid summers and houses that sit closed for long stretches give mildew a head start. In the September 2009 floods, the Big Creek gauge at Cumming crested just above its 10-foot flood stage. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, as EPA recommends, and dry anything wet within 24 to 48 hours.

Is it safe to clean it myself?

For patches smaller than about 10 square feet, generally yes. Wear gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator, scrub with detergent and water, and dry the surface completely. Keep anyone with asthma or a weakened immune system out of the room. Do not paint or caulk over mold, and replace porous items that stay musty.

How much would a professional charge?

Angi's Atlanta cost guide reports bathroom mold work at about $587 to $1,174, with larger jobs at roughly $12 to $29 per square foot. A company will price by area, materials removed, access and whether the job includes correcting the moisture source. Georgia has no state mold license, so for any rebuilding ask whether the company holds a Georgia residential or general contractor license.

If your home has a basement or finished lower level, a dehumidifier there through the summer is often the single most effective step.

If your home has a basement or finished lower level, a dehumidifier there through the summer is often the single most effective step.

Local offices

Lake homes and weekend houses that sit closed in summer are worth a quick visit after long humid spells; a dehumidifier on a drain hose keeps lower levels drier while you are away. The City of Cumming Planning & Zoning Department issues construction permits and performs inspections for repairs, and its Code Enforcement Officer handles property complaints. Forsyth County Health Department Environmental Health is in Cumming for health questions.