Short answer: Atlanta’s long, humid summers and frequent storms make mold a common problem, especially in crawl spaces, basements, attics and bathrooms. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, run air conditioning and exhaust fans, fix leaks quickly, keep gutters and grading working, and have damp crawl spaces sealed or dehumidified.
Atlanta’s climate is warm and humid for much of the year, and heavy storms can drop a lot of rain quickly, as the historic September 2009 floods showed. That combination gives mold plenty of chances to grow. This guide covers Atlanta mold and how to prevent it.
Where Atlanta homes get mold
- Crawl spaces: damp soil and humid air under older homes
- Basements: seepage after heavy rain
- Attics: roof leaks and poor ventilation
- Bathrooms: steam and weak fans
- Around air conditioning: condensation and clogged drain lines
How to prevent mold in Atlanta
- Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent
- Run air conditioning in humid months, and service it yearly
- Use bathroom and kitchen fans that vent outside
- Keep gutters clear and downspouts extended away from the house
- Check crawl spaces for standing water and damp insulation
- Fix roof and plumbing leaks quickly
Crawl spaces in Atlanta homes
Many metro Atlanta homes sit over vented crawl spaces. In humid summers, outside air can bring in moisture that condenses on cooler floor framing and ducts. Vapor barriers, sealing and dehumidifiers often help. Read about crawl space moisture.
After storms and flooding
Heavy Atlanta storms can flood basements and soak crawl spaces in hours. Remove water quickly, pull out wet carpet and insulation, and dry within 24 to 48 hours. In summer humidity, fans alone are often not enough, so dehumidifiers and professional drying help prevent mold behind walls.
Hiring a mold company in Georgia
Georgia does not have a state mold license, so check a company’s training, insurance, references and written plan. Consider an independent assessment for large jobs, and ask how they will fix the moisture source. Read when mold testing helps.
Local help in Atlanta
Quick answers: atlanta mold
Why is mold common in Atlanta homes?
Long humid summers, heavy storms, crawl spaces and air conditioning condensation all add moisture.
How do I keep humidity down in an Atlanta home?
Run air conditioning, use exhaust fans, add a dehumidifier and fix leaks and drainage.
Does Georgia license mold companies?
Georgia does not have a state mold license, so check training, insurance and references.
Should I seal my crawl space in Atlanta?
Often it helps in humid climates, when designed correctly with humidity control.
Who removes mold in Atlanta?
Sifixit can connect you with a local mold removal provider.
Related
This guide covered atlanta mold. For more background, see the EPA’s mold guide, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.
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