Black Mold Removal in College Grove, TN

Is black mold in an old College Grove house harder to remove?

It can be more work, but not because of its color. College Grove is a mostly rural community along U.S. Route 31A, about 26 miles from Nashville, with a mix of commercial and rural buildings and several National Register-listed historic structures. Older houses often have plaster, board walls, old wood floors and additions built at different times, and moisture travels in odd ways between them. Solid wood can usually be cleaned and dried. Plaster, drywall, insulation and carpet with mold growing in them usually come out. Historic finishes may need careful handling, so mention them on the first call.

What should I do if a flash flood put water in the house?

Williamson County emergency management says the Harpeth River and its creeks are the main local flood sources, that flash floods can come with little warning, and that blocked culverts, ditches and drains can also cause flooding. The county uses the May 2010 flood as proof that 20 inches or more of rain can fall in two days. EPA's guidance after water damage is to dry everything within 24 to 48 hours and assume mold where that wasn't possible. Children shouldn't help with flood cleanup, and adults should wear at least an N-95 respirator.

Who handles permits and code complaints out here?

College Grove is unincorporated, so the Williamson County Building Codes Division in Franklin handles building permits. Mold cleanup itself isn't usually permitted, but replacing framing, walls or storm-damaged structure may need one, and electrical permits in the unincorporated county come through the State of Tennessee. Williamson County Codes Compliance is the enforcement branch for zoning in the unincorporated county. Health questions can go to the Williamson County Health Department in Franklin.

One more local point

Rural jobs often include a crawl space, a well house or a detached building, and homes far from town may have the HVAC air handler under the floor. If dark growth shows up around supply registers, EPA advises not running the system until it is checked. Ask the company to put each area in the written scope, and remember that jobs of $25,000 or more need a Tennessee contractor's license with the S-F mold remediation classification.