Attic Mold Removal in Lithonia, GA

Why would an attic in Lithonia get moldy?

Lithonia is a small historic city in eastern DeKalb County, about 16 miles from downtown Atlanta, that grew around the railroad and granite quarries beginning in the 1840s. It is a gateway to the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Older houses near Main Street and the Lithonia Historic District have roofs that have been patched over many years, and chimneys and porch tie-ins are frequent leak points. Newer homes are more likely to carry the air handler and ducts in the attic, where condensation and clogged drain lines are the main concern. In both cases, Atlanta's long, humid summers keep a damp attic warm enough for mold to grow quickly.

Does heavy rain in the area matter for the attic?

Lithonia knows heavy rain. During the September 2009 floods, the National Weather Service recorded the Yellow River at Georgia Highway 124 cresting at 27.47 feet, against a 15-foot flood stage, and the South River gauge at Lithonia cresting at 13.55 feet. Flooding like that mainly damages lower floors, but days of steady rain also test every roof seam, and an attic that took on water during a long storm can stay damp for weeks if ventilation is poor. After any extended rain, check the underside of the decking near valleys, vents and the chimney.

Who can help with permits and health questions?

Mold removal itself is not usually permitted work, but replacing decking, framing or drywall is. The City of Lithonia lists building permits under its Planning and Zoning department; call the city before rebuilding. Georgia has no state mold license, so for rebuild work ask whether the company holds a Georgia residential or general contractor license and check it on GOALS Verify Now. DeKalb Public Health says its environmental health division addresses mold only in permitted facilities such as restaurants and hotels, and provides information to help residents of homes identify problems.

A local note

If you rent, send the landlord a written request about any roof leak and keep a copy. Georgia law requires landlords to keep rentals in repair, and the City of Lithonia has a code enforcement office. Georgia does not allow rent withholding. This is general information, not legal advice.