Black Mold Removal in Crosby, TX

Is the black mold in my Crosby house the dangerous kind?

There is no way to tell by looking, and the answer would not change what needs to happen. Plenty of ordinary molds are dark green or black. EPA's advice covers all indoor growth: mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, and people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas. Anyone with health concerns should talk to a health professional. For the house itself, what matters is how large the patch is, whether it is on porous material like drywall or carpet, and whether the moisture behind it has stopped.

Why did it show up here, and where else should I look?

Crosby is a small unincorporated community in east Harris County, about 25 miles from downtown Houston, that grew up as a railroad shipping point. Heavy rain is the usual trigger. In the October 2015 storm, the Harris County Flood Control District measured about 13 inches of rain, and businesses at a Crosby shopping center had more than four inches of water on their floors. Homes that take water in storms like that can grow mold behind baseboards and under flooring without much sign on the surface. Also check:

• The ceiling beneath the attic air handler and around supply vents
• Walls behind the washer, water heater and kitchen sink
• Closets on exterior walls where air barely moves
• Window sills on the side that faces driving rain

Who actually removes it, and in what order?

For anything beyond a small surface patch, Texas law splits the job. A mold assessment consultant who holds a TDLR license inspects and writes a protocol at least a day before work starts. A separate company holding a TDLR mold remediation contractor license sets up containment, removes the damaged drywall, insulation or carpet, and cleans the framing. The consultant then returns for a post-remediation assessment, and after a pass you get a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation within 10 days. Angi's Houston cost data reports most removal jobs running between $863 and $3,329, before the consultant's fee.

A note on rebuilding in Crosby

Because Crosby is unincorporated, putting walls back after removal is development under Harris County rules, and the Office of the County Engineer issues the permit. Projects in the 100-year floodplain need drawings sealed by a Texas architect or engineer. Plan the rebuild only after clearance, so new drywall does not go over wet framing.