Black Mold Removal in Clinton, WA

Our house is older. Is that part of the problem?

Often it is. Island County's Clinton Subarea Plan describes Clinton's housing as about 97% single-family and mostly owner-occupied, with older homes and very little new construction; about 61% of homes were built before 1980. Older houses often have thinner insulation, leakier windows and bath fans that vent poorly or not at all. Through a long south Whidbey winter, that adds up to condensation on glass and cold walls, and black spots in bathrooms, bedrooms and closets.

We're on the bluff. Where would water come from?

From above and below. The county says most of Clinton sits on a steep bluff parallel to the shoreline with landslide potential, and the shoreline is part of the Clinton Critical Drainage Area. Runoff from uphill lots can move through soil toward foundations. The plan also notes flooding can come from inland, from a higher water table, not just from the Sound. A lower level that smells musty after heavy rain, or shows dark mold along the bottom of the walls, is worth a moisture check before anything is replaced.

What about the waterfront homes?

Island County says the entire Clinton shoreline is a FEMA high-risk flood area, with king tides and sea level rise a specific concern. During the December 27, 2022 king tide, the Whidbey News-Times reported flooding in Clinton reached high levels. If salt water got into a home, drywall and insulation it touched usually have to go, and EPA says to assume mold if materials couldn't be dried within 24 to 48 hours. Washington has no state mold license; any company you hire should be registered with Washington L&I as a construction contractor.

A local note

Clinton is unincorporated, so repair and rebuild permits go through the Island County Building Department, and code enforcement is handled by Island County Planning & Community Development. Island County Public Health can be a starting point for health questions, along with the Washington Department of Health mold page. Renters should give the landlord written notice of any leak or moisture problem; state law sets times for repairs to begin after notice.