Basement Mold Removal in Waleska, GA

Local conditions

Waleska is a small Cherokee County city about 40 miles from Atlanta and about 7 miles northwest of Canton, built around Reinhardt University and the Funk Heritage Center. Lake Arrowhead, a residential reservoir community, lies about 2 miles west of town. Hilly terrain in this part of the county means many homes are set into slopes, often with a basement or walk-out lower level, and the uphill wall takes on water from saturated clay after storms. Lake and creek country tends to feel especially humid in summer, and cool basement concrete pulls that moisture out of the air. Cherokee County was one of four counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance after the September 2009 floods.

Homeowner cleanup or professional remediation?

Either way, the moisture source needs fixing. EPA says moisture control is the key to mold control. A bid that only covers cleanup should say who handles gutters, grading or drainage, and when, so new drywall does not go up against a wall that is still wet. EPA also says not to paint or caulk over mold, so skip any quote built around a coating sprayed over damp, moldy surfaces.

Signs

• An earthy odor when you open the basement door
• Spots rising from the bottom of drywall or paneling
• Wet carpet along the uphill wall after rain
• White, powdery deposits on block or poured concrete
• Mildew on stored items, especially in summer

Timing

Seepage shows during wet spells; condensation and mildew peak in mid to late summer. For homes used seasonally or rented to students, check basements after long closed-up periods, since a space without airflow or air conditioning can grow mildew in a few weeks of humid weather. The Cherokee County Development Service Center permits all construction activity in the City of Waleska, so ask there before rebuilding. Georgia has no state mold license; ask whether the company holds a Georgia residential or general contractor license and check it on GOALS Verify Now.