Attic Mold Removal in Crosby, TX

Why would my Crosby attic grow mold if the house never flooded?

Flooding is a ground-level problem, and Crosby has seen it: an October 2015 storm brought about 13 inches of rain, measured by the Harris County Flood Control District, and left more than four inches of water in shops at a local shopping center. The attic faces a different kind of water. Rain that heavy finds any weak spot in flashing, vents or shingles, and a small leak can keep the decking damp for days in a closed, hot attic. The more common source in this part of east Harris County is the AC system. With the air handler and ducts above the ceiling, a slow condensate clog or a sweating duct can wet the insulation every afternoon all summer.

Who do I call for a permit if the roof framing has to be replaced?

Crosby is an unincorporated community about 25 miles from Houston, so building permits come from the Harris County Office of the County Engineer rather than a city hall. The county requires a permit for development, including building construction; its Residential Group can be reached at (713) 274-3920. Cleaning mold off rafters is not permitted work, but replacing rotted decking or framing may be. Ask the roofer or contractor to confirm before work starts.

How is the job split between companies in Texas?

Texas licenses mold work through TDLR and does not allow one company to both assess and remediate the same project. A mold assessment consultant inspects, measures the affected decking and insulation, and writes a protocol you receive at least a day before removal. A separate remediation company follows that protocol, sets up containment so attic dust stays out of the rooms below, removes the damaged material and cleans the framing. The consultant then returns for clearance, and you receive a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation along with before-and-after photos. Homeowners may clean their own home without a license, and EPA suggests professionals for areas over about 10 square feet.

A note for Crosby homeowners

Many properties here sit along roads like U.S. 90, Hare Road and Miller-Wilson Road with older roofs and add-on AC systems. If yours has a ceiling stain under the attic unit, have the drain line checked before booking anything else. It may be the whole problem, or the start of it.