In Highlands, mold behind drywall usually comes from water that got into the wall cavity, whether from the San Jacinto River rising, wind-driven rain or a slow leak indoors. The damp board and insulation generally have to be removed, and the studs cleaned and dried, after the source is stopped. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in Highlands.
What Highlands homes are up against
Highlands is an unincorporated community of about 8,600 people in east Harris County, around 24 miles from downtown Houston, on the higher east bank of the San Jacinto River. It began as an early-1900s railway stop and grew during World War II with housing for military members and war-plant workers. Higher ground does not protect every street: in an October 2015 storm, an EF-0 tornado closed FM 2100 and the river rose about six feet above normal, flooding some homes near the water. Even without flooding, the humid climate and an AC that runs for months create condensation around ducts, closets and drain pans, and a slow leak inside a wall can go unnoticed for a long time. Homes that took river water in 2015 and were closed up fast are worth a second look if a musty smell lingers.
Clean it or cut it out?
| Situation | Usually cleanable | Usually removed |
|---|---|---|
| Painted drywall face | Light spotting on dry, firm paint | Board that is soft, stained through or wet behind |
| Insulation | Rarely | Wet or moldy batts and loose fill |
| Wood studs and plates | Sound wood, cleaned and dried | Rotted framing, which is a repair job |
| Trim and baseboards | Solid wood with surface growth | Swollen composite trim |
EPA says porous materials that have grown mold may have to be thrown away, and it advises against painting or caulking over growth.
Warning signs
- Tide marks or staining low on walls in rooms nearest the river
- A wall that feels cooler than the rest of the room
- Paint blisters around a window after a heavy storm
- A sour, earthy smell that returns soon after airing the house out
Timing and next steps
EPA's flood guidance says to assume mold growth in a home that could not be dried within 24 to 48 hours. In a Highlands summer, a wet wall closed up for a week is very likely growing inside. If you hire the work, a mold assessment consultant who holds a TDLR license writes the protocol first and a separate company removes the mold. Rebuilding walls is permitted through the Harris County Office of the County Engineer, and projects in the 100-year floodplain need drawings sealed by a Texas architect or engineer.
Mold in Walls & Drywall questions in Highlands
How far up the wall does floodwater soak?
Can wet insulation and studs be saved?
Can I cut out moldy drywall myself?
Who do I call about health questions from mold in the house?
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