Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Powder Springs, GA

How did the 2009 floods affect Powder Springs?

Powder Springs, a small west Cobb city about 19 miles from downtown Atlanta, is named for seven mineral springs and sits in the Sweetwater Creek basin. In September 2009 three NWS gauges listed at Powder Springs went above flood stage: Powder Springs Creek crested at 19.82 feet against 12, Noses Creek at 23.20 feet against 11, and Sweetwater Creek at 31.45 feet against 13. The NWS says the Sweetwater Creek basin rose to the 500-year flood level, and USGS reports that flood magnitudes on Powder Springs Creek greatly exceeded the estimated 500-year flood. Homes that were wet then can still have hidden damp in crawl spaces, subfloors and wall bottoms.

What can I clean myself?

Small, surface mildew on tile, glass, sealed wood or metal is generally a homeowner job; the EPA puts the limit at about 10 square feet. Wear gloves and eye protection, scrub with detergent and water, and dry everything. Carpet, ceiling tiles and other porous items that stay musty may need to be thrown away. If water ever came into the house and could not be dried within 24 to 48 hours, the EPA says to assume mold growth, wear at least an N-95 respirator and keep children out of the cleanup.

Who do I contact locally?

For rebuilding after removal, the City of Powder Springs Community Development Department takes permit applications and construction drawings. Georgia has no state mold license, so ask whether the company holds a Georgia residential or general contractor license for rebuild work and check it on GOALS Verify Now. Renters can report code violations within city limits to the city's Quality of Life Division. Cobb and Douglas Public Health says tenants with mold from a mechanical or structural failure may contact the local building inspections department.

A local note

Even away from the creeks, Powder Springs homes face the same humid summers as the rest of the metro. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, as the EPA recommends, and clean gutters before storm season so roof water ends up well away from the foundation.