Mold in Walls & Drywall in Columbia, TN

Columbia and the Duck River

Columbia is the Maury County seat, about 41 miles south of Nashville, and it grew up along the Duck River, the longest river entirely within Tennessee. In May 2010 the river at Columbia reached 44.91 feet, its seventh highest level on record. In February 2019 it crested at 42 feet, the highest since 1991; fire and police went door to door in Riverside from 3rd Avenue south to Riverside Drive urging evacuation, and some buildings near the river took on water. The Tennessee Department of Health warns that mold can begin growing within 48 hours of flooding. Away from the river, the usual sources apply: plumbing leaks, failed window seals and summer condensation.

What to do now

1. Make sure the source has stopped, whether that's a leaking line or water that came in from outside.
2. Pull wet carpet, pad and stored items away from the wall.
3. Run fans and a dehumidifier, but don't blow air directly at visible growth.
4. Remove and bag wet items that can't be cleaned or dried within 48 hours, as state health guidance advises.
5. Photograph water lines on the walls before anything is removed.

Signs and likely causes

Cost factors

Angi reports a national range of about $1,000 to $20,000 for mold in walls; Middle Tennessee prices vary. Flood jobs cost more because they span more rooms and require cuts above the water line. Maury County isn't on the state's Home Improvement license list, but any job of $25,000 or more needs a contractor's license with the S-F classification. Rebuilding framing is permitted by the City of Columbia Development Services Building Inspections office on N. Garden Street. Columbia participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, and its floodplain page links FEMA map panels for checking a lot before rebuilding. Renters can report unrepaired leaks to Columbia Codes Enforcement, and the Maury County Health Department on Hampshire Pike can answer health questions.