Mold Remediation in Bacliff, TX

Clifton-by-the-Sea to the Bayshore

Bacliff began as the seaside resort and fishing town of Clifton-by-the-Sea. Today it is an unincorporated census-designated place of about 9,700 people in Galveston County, part of the "Bayshore" area with San Leon and Bayview, and many residents commute to Houston, about 33 miles away in a straight line. Most of the community lies along the western shore of Galveston Bay, east of SH 146, with Grand Avenue (FM 646, East Bayshore Drive) running along the water. Residents voted down incorporation in the 1980s, so county offices handle what a city would.

Storms on the bay

The 1915 hurricane destroyed many of the resort's improvements, and the 1943 hurricane did major damage; the old bathhouse and pavilion were never rebuilt. After Hurricane Ike in 2008, Galveston County ran a debris-removal program for unincorporated areas including Bacliff. Flooding was reduced in part by the community's relatively high elevation, about 16 feet.

That elevation helps with surge but not with wind-driven rain or humidity. Roofs and windows take a beating in tropical storms, and water that gets in through a damaged roof can soak insulation and drywall without showing for days. Bayfront air is damp most of the year, so air conditioning, drain pans and ducts work hard. EPA advises drying anything wet within 24 to 48 hours and keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent.

Permits on unincorporated land

Galveston County's Engineering, Floodplain & Right-of-Way section handles the floodplain and development permit application for unincorporated areas, from its office at 722 Moody in Galveston. Mold removal itself is not described as permitted work. If remediation leads to structural repairs or a substantial rebuild, contact that office first to ask what your project needs.

Renters and health

Texas Property Code 92.052 requires a landlord to make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect a tenant's health or safety after written notice, when the tenant is current on rent. TexasLawHelp explains the steps. General information only, not legal advice.

The Galveston County Health District lists mold among complaints outside its jurisdiction. 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.

What to expect

When you call, you will be connected with an independent local company. In Texas, a mold assessment consultant writes the protocol and later confirms clearance, while a separate company that holds a TDLR mold remediation contractor license does the work. The owner receives a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation, which can help with insurance underwriting.