Mildew in Port Orchard is mostly surface mold on windows, bathrooms and closet walls, fed by condensation and slow drying through the wet months. Small patches can usually be handled by the homeowner; widespread or recurring growth, or anything tied to a leak, needs a professional. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in Port Orchard.
Conditions in Port Orchard
Port Orchard is the Kitsap County seat, on the south shore of Sinclair Inlet across from Bremerton. Census-derived figures put the median home here at 2004, so many houses are fairly new and tightly built. That keeps drafts out, but it also keeps moisture in, and a family's showers, cooking and laundry can push indoor humidity high enough to fog windows by morning. Downtown is a different story. The city warns that king tides combined with winter weather can threaten shoreline areas and Bay Street businesses, and heavy rain off the hill has backed up when high tides kept it from draining, closing part of Bay Street until the water receded.
Do it yourself or hire a company?
| Question | Usually DIY | Usually a pro |
|---|---|---|
| How big is it? | Less than about 10 sq ft | More than about 10 sq ft |
| What is it on? | Glass, tile, sealed or painted trim | Drywall, carpet, ceiling tile, insulation |
| Is the surface wet? | Dry once wiped | Damp or soft to the touch |
| Did water get in? | No, just condensation | Yes, from a leak, tide or storm |
Warning signs
- Fresh paint that shows spots again within a month.
- Window trim that is soft when pressed with a screwdriver.
- A musty odor in one room that cleaning doesn't remove.
- Stains on drywall below a window or along the floor after heavy rain.
- Bathroom ceiling paint peeling in sheets around the fan grille.
Timing
Condensation peaks during cold snaps in the middle of winter; that is when to wipe sills daily and run fans hardest. If water came in during a storm or tide, start drying right away, since EPA's guidance is 24 to 48 hours. Save repainting and recaulking for drier weather, when the wood and drywall underneath have had a chance to dry out fully. A professional cleanup can happen any time of year; just make sure the leak or ventilation problem is fixed in the same visit or right after, or the growth will be back next winter. Repairs within city limits are permitted by the Department of Community Development's Building and Fire Permit Center, and renters can use the city's Code Compliance Complaint Form after giving the landlord written notice.
Mold & Mildew Cleanup questions in Port Orchard
Why does mildew keep coming back on my windows every winter?
What if storm or tide water got into the house?
Does Washington license mold and mildew cleanup companies?
I rent. Who is responsible for recurring mildew?
More mold services in Port Orchard
Mold & Mildew Cleanup nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Wikipedia: Port Orchard, Washington
- City-Data: Port Orchard housing
- City of Port Orchard: Notice of King Tides
- Yahoo News: Flooding, fallen trees cause problems
- City of Port Orchard: Community Development
- Kitsap Public Health District: Mold
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: Homeowner's and Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters (pdf)
- Washington DOH: Hiring a contractor for indoor air quality problems
- L&I: Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business
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