Mold & Mildew Removal in College Grove, TN

Our house is old and rural. Is mildew just part of the deal?

Some is normal in Middle Tennessee, but it shouldn't keep spreading. College Grove is a mostly rural community along U.S. Route 31A, with a mix of homes and farm buildings and several historic structures on the National Register. Older rural houses in Middle Tennessee often have crawl spaces, original windows and bathrooms added long after the house was built, often with little ventilation. Each of those can hold moisture. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, run exhaust fans and check under the house once or twice a year. If mildew is concentrated in one room, look for what makes that room different: an outside wall, a plumbing run, or a spot where rain splashes against siding.

What about mildew on things we store?

Saddles, boots, books and boxes kept in a spare room or a building that isn't conditioned will mildew in a humid summer. Hard items and leather can often be cleaned and dried in the sun. Cardboard, upholstered pieces and anything that stayed wet for days usually aren't worth saving, and EPA notes porous materials may need to be thrown away. Moving storage into a conditioned space or adding a dehumidifier is the long-term fix.

Does flooding play a role here?

Williamson County emergency management says the Harpeth River and its creeks are the county's main flood sources, flash floods can come with little warning, and blocked culverts or ditches can cause flooding as well. Most streams are the property owner's responsibility. The May 2010 flood showed that 20 inches or more of rain can fall within two days in this county. If water reaches the house, dry it within 24 to 48 hours, as EPA advises, or plan on mold.

One more thing

If removing mildew uncovers rotted subfloor or framing, permits for unincorporated College Grove come from Williamson County Building Codes in Franklin. Tennessee requires a contractor's license with the S-F mold remediation classification for jobs of $25,000 or more, and TDCI's Verify a License search shows a company's status. Health questions can go to the Williamson County Health Department on West Main Street in Franklin. EPA notes mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, so keep anyone with asthma away from the cleanup.