Mold Removal in Belfair, WA

Where is Belfair, and why is it so wet?

Belfair is the commercial center of northern Mason County, on the isthmus that links the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, about 28 miles from Seattle in a straight line. It sits at the mouth of the Union River on Hood Canal, next to the tidal wetlands of the Theler Wetlands. And it averages about 60 inches of rain a year.

That rainfall is the most important local fact for mold. More rain means more chances for gutters to overflow, roofs to leak, crawl spaces to take on water, and siding to stay wet from October to spring.

Five things to check this winter

1. Gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters dump water at the foundation. Extend downspouts away from the house.
2. The crawl space. Look for standing water, wet soil, sagging insulation or white and dark growth on joists.
3. The attic. Darkened sheathing or damp insulation points to a roof leak or a fan venting indoors.
4. Windows and walls. Condensation on cold glass and black spots in corners mean the house needs more ventilation and steady heat.
5. Under sinks and around the water heater. Slow plumbing leaks are easy to miss.

EPA's rule is to dry anything wet within 24 to 48 hours. For growth over about 10 square feet, the Washington Department of Health suggests considering a professional.

Permits and code compliance

Belfair is unincorporated, so Mason County Community Development handles building permits through its Permit Assistance Center. Mold cleanup isn't permitted work, but structural repairs can be. Mason County Code Compliance reviews dangerous or substandard buildings, among other things, and takes written complaints by mail or in person only.

Renters

Put leak and moisture problems in writing to your landlord. Washington's landlord-tenant act requires units to be kept weathertight and in good repair, and written notice starts repair deadlines. Landlords must also give tenants Department of Health-approved mold information. This is general information, not legal advice.

Health

Mason County Public Health refers residents to the state Department of Health's indoor air quality line for mold questions. EPA notes mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

Calling for help

You'll be connected with an independent local mold remediation company. Washington has no state mold license or certification. Make sure the company is registered with Washington L&I as a construction contractor, which you can check on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool, and get the scope and price in writing.