La Vergne's housing is mostly owner-occupied and fairly new, so mold here tends to follow plumbing leaks, roof leaks and humid crawl spaces and attics rather than age. Find the moisture and stop it, then clean up. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in La Vergne.
Mold services in La Vergne
La Vergne sits along I-24 in Rutherford County, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Nashville. Manufacturing, distribution and warehousing drive much of its economy. First incorporated in 1860 and reincorporated in 1972, it's now a diverse suburb, and Percy Priest Lake borders it to the northeast, fed by Hurricane Creek and the Stones River.
Homes in La Vergne
The median house or condo was built in 2002, and about 26% of households rent. Lake Forest Estates, with more than 3,100 homes, is described as the largest subdivision in Tennessee. In a large subdivision where many houses are close in age, the same problems tend to show up as they get older: water heaters reaching the end of their life around the same time, supply lines and wax rings starting to fail, and roof shingles needing replacement.
Where to look for mold
| What you see | Likely moisture source |
|---|---|
| Musty smell in a hallway or bedroom | Crawl space humidity or a hidden plumbing leak |
| Stain spreading on a ceiling | Roof leak, attic condensation or an upstairs bathroom |
| Dark spots around windows | Condensation or failed flashing |
| Warped flooring near the kitchen or laundry | Dishwasher, ice-maker or washer supply line |
| Water stains near the HVAC closet | Clogged condensate drain or drip pan |
The Tennessee Department of Health notes that mold can begin growing within 48 hours of flooding and that basements often above 50 percent relative humidity need moisture reduction. EPA's indoor target is below 60 percent humidity, ideally 30 to 50. Keep AC drip pans clean and drain lines open.
City contacts
The City of La Vergne Codes Department, on East Nir Shreibman Boulevard, issues building permits and does inspections through its online Community Development portal. Electrical permits go through the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's office. Mold removal itself isn't permitted work, but rebuilding afterward can be.
The Codes Department also takes complaints through the Citizen Request Tracker or by phone, which is where renters can report a leak or moisture problem their landlord hasn't fixed.
The Rutherford County Health Department, with its main office in Murfreesboro and a branch in Smyrna, is the local public health office. EPA says mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, and people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas. Take health concerns to a health professional.
Licensing
Rutherford County is on TDCI's list of counties requiring a state Home Improvement license for residential jobs from $3,000 up to $25,000. Jobs of $25,000 or more need a Tennessee contractor's license, and the state classifies mold remediation as S-F. We'll connect you with an independent local company; check it on TDCI's Verify a License search.
Common questions in La Vergne
Why would a house in Lake Forest Estates get mold?
Who issues permits in La Vergne?
How do La Vergne renters report an unfixed leak?
What humidity should I keep my La Vergne home at?
Nearby cities and towns
Sources
- Wikipedia: La Vergne, Tennessee
- City-Data: La Vergne, TN houses and residents
- City of La Vergne Codes Department
- Tennessee Department of Health: Local health departments
- Tennessee Department of Health: Healthy Homes
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- TDCI Board for Licensing Contractors: Bidding and Contractor License Requirements (pdf)
- Tennessee Contractor Classification Outline (TDCI)
Last updated: