Mold Remediation in Watertown, TN

Watertown is a small city of 1,553 people (2020 Census) in eastern Wilson County, about 36 miles east of Nashville. It was incorporated in 1905, and its brick-lined town square was laid out after a fire in 1903. Excursion trains run by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum come out from Nashville and stop here, and the Stardust Drive-In Theatre and Robinson Stadium at Watertown High School are local landmarks along with East Main Street.

Old brick, crawl spaces and humidity

Older brick and masonry buildings absorb water and dry slowly, so upper-floor leaks, failed gutters and rising damp at the base of walls all show up as stains and musty air. Many Middle Tennessee houses sit over crawl spaces, and in a humid summer those spaces pull in warm, humid air that condenses on cooler ducts and framing. Spring storms bring wind-driven rain that finds its way around old windows and roof flashing.

Steps worth taking now

1. Find and stop the water: a leak, a clogged gutter, standing water under the house.
2. Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours, as EPA recommends.
3. Keep indoor humidity under 60 percent with the AC or a dehumidifier.
4. Don't run the HVAC system if you suspect mold inside it, since it can spread spores through the house.
5. Leave larger areas, over about 10 square feet, to a professional.

Permits and renter complaints

Mold cleanup alone isn't work that needs a permit. If the job turns into replacing framing or other structural repair, check with the town or county codes office about permits before the work starts. Renters whose landlord won't fix a leak or a moisture problem can ask the same offices how to file a housing complaint.

Health questions

The Wilson County Health Department at 927 East Baddour Parkway in Lebanon is the local contact, and the Tennessee Department of Health's Healthy Homes page explains mold and moisture basics. EPA says mold can irritate eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs; people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas and see a health professional with concerns.

When you call

You'll be connected with an independent mold company that serves Wilson County. Tennessee requires a contractor's license for any project of $25,000 or more, and the right classification for mold work is S-F. Wilson County isn't among the counties where TDCI requires a Home Improvement license for smaller residential jobs. Check the company on TDCI's Verify a License search, and ask about a separate inspector for clearance.