Black Mold Removal in South Houston, TX

About South Houston

South Houston is a small city of about 16,200 people, incorporated in 1913, that borders Houston and Pasadena roughly 16 miles from downtown. Manufacturing moved in after the Houston Ship Channel was built, and a 1915 hurricane destroyed many of those early industries. Today the moisture threats are the ones found across the area: heavy Gulf rain on flat clay ground that drains slowly, humid summers, and air conditioning that runs for most of the year. Dark growth tends to start at roof leaks, plumbing drips, sweating ducts and low spots where water collects against a slab.

What to do now

1. Find the source. Look up toward the roof and attic unit, behind appliances and under sinks. Removal without a fix only buys time.
2. Do not stir it up. Skip scraping, sanding and dry brushing, which spread spores.
3. Turn off the AC if the growth is on vents or the air handler. EPA warns that a contaminated system can spread mold through the house.
4. Dry quickly. EPA says wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent growth.
5. Size it up. Under about 10 square feet on a hard surface, a homeowner can usually clean it. Bigger or hidden growth needs professionals.
6. Ask the city before rebuilding. Check with the City of South Houston about permits for drywall, ceiling or flooring replacement after removal.

Signs and likely causes

Cost factors

Angi's Houston cost data reports an average removal cost of $2,016, typically $863 to $3,329. The square footage of growth, how much material comes out, whether ducts or the attic are involved and how easy the area is to reach all matter. Texas law requires the mold assessment and the removal on the same project to be done by different companies, so the consultant who writes the protocol and checks clearance bills separately. Check both on TDLR's license search.