Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Tomball, TX

Tomball and moisture

Tomball is a small city of about 12,300 people in northwest Harris County, about 24 miles from downtown Houston, that grew up around the railroad arriving in 1906. It sits in the Spring Creek and Willow Creek watersheds. During Harvey the city saw relatively little damage compared with Houston, but water rose into homes near Spring, Willow, Mill and Walnut creeks. The city points out that FEMA maps are estimates and that homes outside the 100-year floodplain can still flood, often from local stormwater ponding.

What to do now

1. Note where it is. Bathrooms, closets and window frames suggest humidity; low walls after rain suggest water getting in.
2. Measure roughly. Under about 10 square feet is typically a homeowner job, per EPA.
3. Clean hard surfaces. Detergent and water, then dry. Wear gloves, goggles and an N-95.
4. Discard ruined porous items. Moldy carpet, ceiling tiles and boxes are usually replaced.
5. Control the moisture. Run bath fans longer, keep the AC drain line clear, and keep humidity below 60 percent.
6. Call for help if it spreads, sits inside walls or comes back.

Texas lets you clean mold in your own home at any size, but anyone you hire for mold work needs a TDLR license, which you can check on TDLR's license search. Don't paint or caulk over growth that is still there.

Common signs and likely causes

Cost factors

Angi's Houston cost data reports mold removal averaging $2,016, with most jobs between $863 and $3,329. Cost rises with the size of the area, drywall or flooring removal and repairs to the moisture source. Texas requires a mold assessment consultant who holds a TDLR license and a different remediation company on a professional job. Rebuilding permits come from the City of Tomball Building Division through its online SmartGov portal, and the city's Code Compliance officers enforce the International Property Maintenance Code.