Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Marietta, GA

Why does my older Marietta house keep growing mildew?

Marietta, the Cobb County seat about 17 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, is built around Marietta Square and has six historic districts, including Whitlock Avenue, Church-Cherokee Streets and Northwest Marietta. Older houses there were not designed for central air. Retrofitted AC cools rooms but may not run long enough to remove moisture, and plaster walls, wood windows and crawl spaces hold dampness. Small closets and bathrooms with no exhaust fan are where mildew usually appears first. A dehumidifier and a properly vented bath fan solve a surprising share of it.

Is mildew near Sope Creek or Sewell Mill Creek a bigger concern?

It can be. Sope Creek and Sewell Mill Creek both have NWS gauges listed at Marietta, and in the September 2009 floods Sope Creek crested at 18.35 feet and Sewell Mill Creek at 13.26 feet, both above their 12-foot flood stages. Homes that took on water may have dampness in subfloors or wall cavities that surfaces as mildew low on walls. The EPA says areas that could not be dried within 24 to 48 hours should be treated as moldy.

How should I clean it, and when should I stop?

Scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry them completely, wearing gloves and eye protection. Do not paint or caulk over growth. Stop and call a professional if the area is larger than about 10 square feet, if plaster or drywall is soft or crumbling, or if it returns within weeks. In a historic house, ask the company how it will protect original trim and plaster. If walls must be rebuilt, the City of Marietta Building Inspection Division inspects remodels under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes; ask the city which office issues the permit for your address.

A local note for renters

Cobb and Douglas Public Health says tenants with mold caused by a mechanical or structural failure may contact their local building inspections department, which may be able to address the underlying moisture problem, and that landlords are responsible for repairs under the Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook. Put requests in writing and keep copies. This is general information, not legal advice.