Mold testing in Temple Terrace is lab analysis of samples taken by a mold assessor, used to confirm hidden growth, document conditions or clear a cleanup. If mold is visible and the cause is obvious, EPA says sampling is usually unnecessary. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold inspector in Temple Terrace.
About Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace is an incorporated city next to northeast Tampa, planned in the 1920s as a Mediterranean Revival golf course community and home to Florida College. The Hillsborough River flows through its eastern and southern parts. Because it is its own city, building permits come from the City of Temple Terrace Building Division rather than Hillsborough County, and the county's storm-recovery guide tells Temple Terrace residents to contact the city for post-storm repair instructions.
What to do now
- Trace the moisture. Look for roof stains, damp baseboards, a sweating air handler or a drip under a sink. A test result is only useful once you know what is feeding the growth.
- Dry and repair. EPA says to dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours and to fix the water problem or mold will return.
- Skip the store kit. Settle plates grow something in nearly every home and can't tell you where the problem is.
- Book sampling with a clear purpose. Hidden growth, a sale, a rental dispute and post-cleanup clearance are good reasons.
- Plan for permits if walls come out. Drywall or structural repairs after remediation go through the City of Temple Terrace Building Division.
What you see and what usually causes it
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Brown ring on a plaster or drywall ceiling | Roof leak, often at flashing or a valley |
| Musty smell in a room facing the river | Humid air and a cool wall surface with poor airflow |
| Dark growth on grilles and around vents | Condensation from the AC or a dirty drain pan |
| Swollen cabinet base under the kitchen sink | Slow supply or drain leak |
| Peeling paint low on an exterior wall | Rainwater getting past stucco or a door threshold |
Cost factors
HomeAdvisor reports Tampa-area mold testing typically runs $327 to $903. The number of samples, the mix of air and surface sampling, lab turnaround and whether a full inspection is included decide where a Temple Terrace job lands. Florida's s. 468.8419 bars the assessor from remediating the same structure within 12 months, so expect separate companies for testing and removal. Renters with unrepaired leaks can contact City of Temple Terrace Code Compliance, which enforces the city's Minimum Housing Code.
Mold Testing questions in Temple Terrace
I rent. Can test results help with my landlord?
What is clearance testing, and who should do it?
Should I get mold testing before buying a home?
Can a lab result tell me whether my home is safe?
More mold services in Temple Terrace
Mold Testing nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: Mold Information Slideshow (testing and sampling)
- Florida Statutes s. 468.8419, Prohibitions; penalties (Florida Senate)
- HomeAdvisor: Mold & Asbestos Companies in Tampa, FL (cost data)
- Hillsborough County: Rebuilding and Repair After a Hurricane
- Florida DOH: Mold and indoor air quality
- City of Temple Terrace Building Division
- City of Temple Terrace: Common Code Violations
- Wikipedia: Temple Terrace, Florida
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