Mold Removal & Remediation in The Woodlands, TX

Did Harvey really flood homes in The Woodlands?

Yes. Bear Branch, Panther Branch and Spring Creek all reached historic levels during Hurricane Harvey. Preliminary data showed 141 homes in The Woodlands with flood damage, and The Woodlands Fire Department made 224 high-water rescues and evacuations. A home near one of those creeks that was patched rather than fully opened after the storm can still hide growth in wall cavities. Most remediation calls here, though, have nothing to do with flooding: a roof leak over a vaulted ceiling, an attic air handler that sweats all summer, or a shower pan leaking into the wall behind it.

What does a remediation company actually do in my house?

It follows a protocol written by a mold assessment consultant who holds a TDLR license, a separate company by law. The protocol spells out the affected areas, quantities, containment, protective equipment, methods and clearance criteria. The remediation contractor seals the work area, uses negative air so dust stays inside the containment, removes drywall, insulation or carpet that can't be saved, and cleans framing and hard surfaces. EPA says not to run HVAC you suspect is contaminated, so the system may stay off during the work. Afterward the same consultant performs the post-remediation assessment, and you receive a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation within 10 days.

Who handles permits for repairs here?

The Woodlands is a township in unincorporated Montgomery County, with a portion in Harris County. On the Montgomery County side, the county Permit Department under Environmental Health in Conroe handles development permits and floodplain matters; its FAQ says substantially damaged structures in the floodplain need a Development Permit. If your address is in the Harris County portion, check with Harris County instead. The county floodplain rules also aim to make sure buyers are told when a property is in a flood hazard area.

One more local note

The Montgomery County Public Health District doesn't list mold or housing complaints among those it takes, so health questions are best brought to a doctor, and repair disputes in rentals to the landlord in writing. Renters can read TexasLawHelp's guide to mold and repairs as general information. Owners who plan to sell should keep every Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation, since Texas requires sellers to hand buyers the certificates issued in the five years before the sale.