Contaminated water and mold

Mold remediation after water damage

Mold can start growing on wet drywall, wood and carpet pad within 24 to 48 hours. Remediation removes mold-damaged materials under containment, cleans what remains, and fixes the moisture source. In Texas, remediation of 25 contiguous square feet or more must be done by a remediator licensed by TDLR.

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Contaminated water and mold

Mildew stains spreading across a damp wall — Stock photo

Humid Gulf air, long cooling seasons and slab homes with plumbing inside walls make hidden leaks a common cause of mold in DFW. It often shows up behind a dishwasher, under a sink, behind a shower wall or in an attic above a leaking AC pan.

Texas regulates mold work through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). For areas of 25 contiguous square feet or more, a licensed mold assessor writes a protocol and a separately licensed remediator does the work; the same company can't do both on one project. Smaller areas don't require a license, but they still need the moisture problem fixed first.

Mold remediation after water damage at a glance

Growth starts: About 24–48 hours on wet materials
Texas license: TDLR, for 25+ contiguous sq ft
Assessor and remediator: Must be different companies on the same project
First fix: Stop the water source

Signs you need mold remediation after water damage

A musty smell that won't go away
Black, green or white spots on walls, baseboards or ceilings
Warped or stained drywall near plumbing
Allergy symptoms that ease when you leave the house
Past leaks that were never dried professionally

How the job works

Assess
For larger areas, a licensed assessor inspects and writes a remediation protocol.
Contain
Plastic barriers and negative air machines keep spores from spreading to clean rooms.
Remove and clean
Moldy porous materials are removed; framing and hard surfaces are cleaned and HEPA-vacuumed.
Clearance
For licensed projects, the assessor performs clearance before walls are closed up.

What affects the cost

Every job is priced after an inspection, and your insurer may cover part of it. These are the factors that move the number:

Size of the affected area
Assessment and clearance testing
Containment needs
Materials removed
Moisture source repair

What you can do before help arrives

Safe to do

Fix the leak or moisture source
Clean a few square feet of surface mold on hard, non-porous surfaces with detergent and water
Run a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 50%

Stop and call

Don't disturb large areas of mold without containment
Don't paint over mold
Don't rely on bleach on drywall or wood; it doesn't fix the problem

Questions about mold remediation after water damage

Do I need a licensed mold company in Texas?

For mold areas of 25 contiguous square feet or more, yes: Texas requires a TDLR-licensed assessor and a separate TDLR-licensed remediator.

How fast does mold grow after water damage?

It can begin in 24 to 48 hours on wet drywall, wood and pad. Fast extraction and drying are the best prevention.

Does insurance cover mold?

Many policies cover mold only when it results from a covered, sudden water loss, and some cap mold coverage. Mold from a long-term leak is often excluded.