Mold Inspection in Columbia, TN

Columbia and the Duck River

Columbia is the Maury County seat, about 41 miles from Nashville, and grew up along the Duck River, the longest river entirely within Tennessee. Big crests reach riverside parks and the Riverside area near 3rd Avenue. In May 2010 the Duck at Columbia hit 44.91 feet, its seventh highest level on record. In February 2019 it crested at 42 feet, the highest since 1991; police and firefighters went door to door urging Riverside residents from 3rd Avenue south to Riverside Drive to leave, and some buildings near the river took on water. Columbia takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program and links its FEMA flood map panels on the city's floodplain page.

What to do now

1. Once it is safe, stop any ongoing leak and start drying. The Tennessee Department of Health notes mold can start growing within 48 hours of flooding.
2. Throw out porous items that can't be cleaned or dried quickly; EPA says carpet and ceiling tiles may have to go.
3. Run a dehumidifier in damp lower levels; state health guidance flags basements that sit above 50 percent humidity.
4. Keep photos and notes for your insurer.
5. Book an inspection to confirm what's still wet and what needs removal.

People with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas during cleanup, and EPA advises that children not take part in flood cleanup. Wear at least an N-95 respirator if you handle wet, moldy materials yourself.

Signs and causes

What drives the cost

Angi's national range for a mold inspection is $303 to $1,075, averaging about $689, and Middle Tennessee prices vary with house size, access, the number of affected areas and any lab work. If walls or framing are rebuilt afterward, the City of Columbia Development Services building inspections office on North Garden Street issues permits; floodplain questions go to Development Services as well.