Mold Remediation in Morrow, GA

Morrow in brief

Morrow incorporated in 1943 and today has about 6,600 residents (2020 Census). It sits along Interstate 75 in Clayton County, roughly 12 miles south of downtown Atlanta in a straight line. The city is home to Clayton State University, Southlake Mall, the Georgia Archives and the National Archives at Atlanta. Jonesboro Road (GA 54), Mt Zion Road, Southlake Parkway and Morrow Road are the main streets.

With a university in town, a good share of residents rent, and student and workforce housing has the same moisture weak spots as any other building: bathrooms without good exhaust, leaking water heaters, and AC drain lines that clog.

How moisture builds up

1. Humidity: long, muggy summers push indoor humidity up. EPA recommends keeping it below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50.
2. Air conditioning: systems run much of the year, and a dirty drip pan or blocked condensate line can wet ceilings and floors. EPA says to keep pans clean and drains flowing.
3. Leaks: roof, window and plumbing leaks that go unnoticed for weeks.
4. Storms: Clayton County was under a state of emergency during the September 2009 floods. Red clay soil holds rainwater against foundations long after a downpour.

A small patch on a hard surface (under about 10 square feet) is often a homeowner job once the leak is fixed, according to EPA. Larger areas, or mold inside walls, are better left to a professional.

Permits

Inside city limits, Morrow's Planning and Economic Development office at the Morrow Municipal Complex on Morrow Road is the contact for building permits. Removing moldy material doesn't usually need one; rebuilding walls, floors or framing might.

Renters' options

Ask the city which office takes property maintenance or housing code complaints if a landlord won't fix a leak. Georgia Legal Aid points tenants to local housing code enforcement in that situation. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 44-7-13) says landlords must keep rentals in repair. Send the request in writing, keep proof, and know that Georgia doesn't allow rent withholding. The DCA's Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook is a good general reference. This is general information, not legal advice.

Health

The Clayton County Board of Health is the local public health agency, and it lists a Morrow location. EPA says mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, and that people with asthma or weakened immune systems should avoid moldy areas. See a health professional with concerns.

Hiring

Georgia has no state mold license or certification. If the company will rebuild, verify its Georgia residential or general contractor license on the Secretary of State's GOALS lookup. Calling the number here connects you with an independent local company; describe the leak and how long the area has been wet.