Mold in Walls & Drywall in Bacliff, TX

Our house sits close to the bay. Does that make wall mold more likely?

Living on the western shore of Galveston Bay means wind-driven rain, storm surge risk and humid air most of the year. Bacliff, which began as the resort and fishing town of Clifton-by-the-Sea, sits at a relatively high elevation for the Bayshore area, about 16 feet, which helped reduce flooding during Hurricane Ike. That doesn't stop rain from being blown past window seals, siding and roof flashing during strong storms, or keep drain lines and plumbing from leaking. Any of those can wet a wall cavity for days, and in this climate that's enough for mold to grow on the back of the drywall. The giveaways tend to be a stain under a window that darkens after each blow, paint lifting on the wall that faces the water, or a closet that smells stale even with the door open.

How do I know what's behind the paint without tearing everything out?

A mold assessment consultant who holds a TDLR license uses moisture meters, often a thermal camera, and a small inspection hole or borescope to see into the wall. That sets how much board needs to come out in the written protocol. EPA notes that when mold is visible, lab sampling is usually unnecessary. The removal itself must be done by a different company, one that holds a TDLR mold remediation contractor license, because Texas law keeps assessment and remediation separate on the same project.

Bacliff isn't a city. Who handles permits for the repair?

Bacliff is an unincorporated community; residents voted down incorporation in the 1980s. Galveston County's Engineering, Floodplain & Right-of-Way section handles floodplain development permits for unincorporated areas from its office at 722 Moody in Galveston (409-770-5552). Ask there about your rebuild after the mold work, especially if the home is in a flood hazard area. When the remediation passes the consultant's clearance check, you should receive a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation; keep it with your house records, since a seller must hand buyers copies from the previous five years.

A local note

The Galveston County Health District lists mold among complaints outside its jurisdiction and refers indoor air issues to local government or the Texas Department of State Health Services. For health concerns, talk with a health professional. If you rent, put repair requests to the landlord in writing.