Mildew in Lakewood Ranch homes, most built since the mid-1990s, usually forms in bathrooms, closets and laundry rooms where indoor moisture has nowhere to go. EPA says a homeowner can typically clean a patch under about 10 square feet; growth that is larger, on drywall or returning after cleaning should be handled by a professional. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch conditions
Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community that began in 1994, with its first neighborhood, Summerfield, completed in 1995. It spans southeastern Manatee County and northeastern Sarasota County, so most homes are relatively new and built tight. That is good for energy bills but means humidity from showers, cooking, laundry and people stays inside unless exhaust fans and the AC remove it. Hurricane Debby in 2024 dropped 16.6 inches of rain on Lakewood Ranch, the highest total in Manatee County, and long soaking rains like that are when roof penetrations, stucco cracks and window flashing get tested.
Do it yourself or call for help?
| Question | DIY is reasonable | Call a professional |
|---|---|---|
| How big is it? | Smaller than about 3 by 3 feet | Larger than that |
| What's it on? | Tile, glass, grout, sealed trim | Drywall, carpet, cabinets |
| Has it come back? | First appearance | Returns within weeks |
| Is there a smell with no visible source? | No | Yes |
| Who lives there? | No breathing concerns | Someone with asthma or a weakened immune system |
For DIY jobs, EPA recommends gloves, goggles and an N-95 respirator, scrubbing with detergent and water and drying completely. Don't paint or caulk over growth.
Signs in newer homes
- Spots on the ceiling of a shower with a glass enclosure and no fan running
- Mildew on the wall behind the washer in a laundry room without a vent
- A musty smell in the owner's closet, especially on the side facing outside
- Stains or speckling below a window after a long rain
- Dark edges around supply registers in rooms that run cold
The wet-season calendar
June through November brings the heaviest rain and hurricane season. Before it starts, clear the AC condensate line and clean the drain pan, as EPA advises, and confirm bathroom fans vent outdoors rather than into the attic. Keep indoor humidity under 60 percent, and if the house sits closed while you travel, leave the AC running at a moderate setting instead of turning it off. After any leak, dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours. If repairs require permits, Manatee County's Development Services Building Division at Town Center Parkway handles Manatee-side addresses; Sarasota-side addresses go through Sarasota County.
Mold & Mildew Cleanup questions in Lakewood Ranch
Why does mildew keep returning to my shower ceiling?
Will a dehumidifier stop mildew?
Do I need a mold test before cleaning mildew?
What does hiring out mildew cleanup cost in the Tampa area?
More mold services in Lakewood Ranch
Mold & Mildew Cleanup nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- EPA: Mold Information Slideshow (testing and sampling)
- Angi: How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost in Tampa, FL?
- Manatee County: Apply, Search and Manage Building Permits
- Bradenton Herald via Yahoo: Manatee begins recovery from Hurricane Debby
- Wikipedia: Lakewood Ranch, Florida
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