Black Mold Removal in Kirkland, WA

Kirkland conditions

Kirkland lines the east shore of Lake Washington about 8 miles from Seattle, with downtown on Moss Bay and Juanita Bay to the north. The city says flooding here is most likely from heavy rain that overwhelms the drainage system rather than from the lake, and it notes that flood damage is rarely covered by homeowners or renters policies. That kind of water shows up as a wet lower level, a soaked garage wall or a stained ceiling under a clogged gutter.

Age matters too. Kirkland's median home was built around 1980, and many houses in Juanita, Finn Hill, Kingsgate and Rose Hill have had decades of wet winters work on their roofs, window seals and bath fans. When any of those fail, dark growth tends to follow on drywall, trim and the backs of closets on exterior walls.

What matters for black mold, and what doesn't

Signs

• Black streaks along the bottom rail of windows by midwinter
• Spots on the ceiling above a shower or tub
• Discolored drywall or bubbling paint on a garage or basement wall after heavy rain
• A musty smell when you open a closet on an outside wall

Timing

Handle it as soon as you find it. Growth spreads as long as the material stays wet, and Kirkland's damp months give it plenty of time. If heavy rain was the cause, have gutters, downspouts and yard drainage checked before the next storm, or the same wall will get wet again. Wait to repaint or reinstall trim until moisture readings are back to normal. Larger repairs can be scheduled once the area is dry; check with the Development Services Center about permits for rebuilt walls.