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Mold Remediation in Richardson, TX
Mold after a leak is a moisture problem first. Stop the water, keep the area closed off, and have anything 25 square feet or larger handled by a TDLR-licensed remediator. Call (972) 947-2040 to reach a mold remediation provider serving Richardson.
Found mold?
What to do first
- Stop the moisture. Mold keeps growing as long as it stays wet. Fix the leak, clear the AC drain line or tarp the roof before anything else.
- Don’t scrub or dry-brush it. Disturbing mold spreads spores. Turn off fans blowing across the area and keep the door closed.
- Estimate the size. Under about 10 square feet is usually a homeowner job, per the EPA. 25 contiguous square feet or more needs licensed professionals under Texas rules.
- Take photos. If the mold came from a recent leak, photograph it and the water source, then tell your insurer.
- Call (972) 947-2040. You’ll be connected with a provider serving Richardson. Ask for their TDLR mold license number.
Where it starts
Common causes of mold in Richardson homes
- Slab leaks. A hot or cold line leaking under the foundation keeps flooring and baseboards wet for weeks. See slab leak water damage.
- AC condensate lines. North Texas runs air conditioning most of the year. A clogged drain line or rusted pan overflows quietly into ceilings and closets.
- Roof and storm leaks. Water through the roof soaks attic insulation and ceiling drywall first. See ceiling water damage.
- Water heaters and appliances. Slow drips behind a washer, dishwasher or fridge line, or a leaking water heater.
- Leaks left to dry on their own. Surfaces can feel dry while the wall cavity or carpet pad stays wet past the 24 to 48 hours mold needs.
The process
How mold remediation works
- Assessment. For jobs of 25 square feet or more, a licensed mold assessor inspects and writes a remediation protocol.
- Fix the source. The leak or humidity problem is repaired so mold doesn’t return.
- Containment. Plastic sheeting and negative air pressure with HEPA filtration keep spores from spreading to clean rooms.
- Removal. Moldy porous materials like drywall, insulation and carpet pad are cut out and bagged. Hard surfaces are cleaned and HEPA vacuumed.
- Drying. The structure is dried to normal moisture readings. See structural drying.
- Clearance. The assessor checks the area again. Once it passes, you receive a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation.
- Rebuild. New drywall, insulation, paint and flooring go back in.
Texas rules
Licensing rules that protect you
- 25 square feet is the line. At 25 contiguous square feet or more, Texas generally requires a licensed assessor and a licensed remediator, and the remediator must file a notification with TDLR.
- Two separate companies. TDLR rules don’t allow the same company to assess and remediate the same project, so the company checking the work isn’t the one paid to do it.
- A certificate within 10 days. After a licensed job, the remediator must give you a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation within 10 days.
- It matters when you sell. Texas sellers must give buyers each certificate issued for the property in the previous five years.
- It matters for insurance. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 544 limits insurers from using past mold damage against you when it was remediated and certified.
This site connects you with independent mold and water damage providers. Ask any provider for their TDLR license number and confirm it before work starts.
Insurance
Will insurance pay for mold removal?
It usually comes down to the cause. Mold that grows from a sudden, covered water leak, such as a burst pipe or a failed water heater, is often paid as part of that water claim. Mold from a long-term drip, poor ventilation or humidity is commonly excluded, and many Texas policies cap mold payouts.
Report water damage quickly, keep photos and moisture readings, and save the remediation certificate. Our insurance claims guide covers the steps.
No mold yet, but the house got wet? Our mold prevention guide covers how to keep it from starting, and when mold grows after water damage explains how fast it can start.
FAQ
Mold remediation FAQs
Do I need a licensed company to remove mold in Texas?
For 25 contiguous square feet or more of mold, Texas generally requires a TDLR-licensed mold assessor to write the plan and a separate licensed remediation contractor to do the work. Smaller areas don’t need a license, though some homeowners still hire one when the mold is inside walls or keeps coming back.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
The EPA says wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If a leak sat longer than that, or water got inside walls or under flooring, check those areas even if nothing is visible yet.
Can I clean mold myself?
The EPA says areas smaller than about 10 square feet can usually be handled by a homeowner with gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator. Fix the moisture first, throw out moldy porous material like drywall or carpet pad, and don’t mix bleach with ammonia cleaners.
Do I need mold testing before remediation?
Usually not when mold is visible. The EPA notes that sampling is often unnecessary because there are no federal limits to compare results against. Under Texas rules, a licensed assessor does inspect larger jobs and checks the area again for clearance once the work is done.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold in Richardson?
It depends on the policy and the cause. Mold that grows from a sudden, covered water leak is often handled as part of that water claim, while mold from long-term leaks or humidity is commonly excluded or capped. Read the mold section of your policy and report water damage quickly.
What is a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation?
It is a state form the licensed remediator must give the property owner within 10 days of finishing a licensed job. It includes the assessor’s statement that the mold was remediated under the protocol. Keep it: you must give buyers copies of certificates from the last five years when you sell.
Seeing or smelling mold?
Call (972) 947-2040 to reach a licensed mold remediation provider serving Richardson.