Mold Removal in Decatur, AL
The median Decatur home was built in 1977, the oldest housing stock of any major city on our service list. We connect Decatur homeowners with independent local mold inspection and remediation companies for free, no-obligation quotes.
Get a Free QuoteDecatur at a glance
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (population) and American Community Survey 2020–2024 (housing).
| County | Morgan County (a small part in Limestone County) |
|---|---|
| Population, July 1, 2025 | 58,056 (+1.3% since 2020) |
| Median year built | 1977 |
| Owner-occupied homes | About 63%, so roughly 37% are rentals |
A river city with deep roots
The Encyclopedia of Alabama records that Decatur was named on June 16, 1820, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and incorporated in 1826. The Tennessee River forms its northern border, and in 1836 the town became the eastern end of the first railroad west of the Appalachians. Federal troops dismantled all but three buildings during the Civil War, and in 1927 Decatur merged with neighboring Albany (New Decatur). Unlike its fast-growing neighbors, Decatur's population has held fairly steady, which helps explain why its homes skew older.
Why older homes change the mold conversation
Mold remediation often means cutting out drywall, pulling flooring or removing insulation. In older houses that can disturb other materials. Alabama requires ADPH firm certification for lead-based paint renovation work in pre-1978 homes, and ADEM requires accreditation for asbestos-related activities, which can involve old joint compound, flooring or textured ceilings. If your Decatur home is from the 1970s or earlier, ask each company how it handles possible lead paint or asbestos before demolition starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
Older homes also tend to have had more decades of plumbing leaks, roof patches and settling. Damp block walls and below-grade rooms are common complaints; our page on basement mold covers what companies look at there.
Storms and floods in Morgan County
The National Weather Service reports that December 8–9, 2009 brought 4–8 inches of rain over Madison and Morgan counties, causing "widespread and serious flash flooding and river flooding." On April 27, 2011, NWS Huntsville counted three tornado hits in Morgan County during a 39-tornado outbreak across its area. After any water event, EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours, and ADPH notes that wet materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be discarded.
Testing, removal and what it may cost
If you can see mold, you probably don't need a lab test first. EPA says that in most cases sampling is unnecessary when growth is visible. An inspection is more useful for finding a hidden moisture source. Typical national ranges are $1,200–$3,750 for a common remediation job and $10–$30 per square foot (This Old House, 2026; Fixr, 2025). These are estimates, not quotes. More detail is in our guide to mold removal and remediation.
Decatur mold FAQ
Does Alabama require a license for mold removal in Decatur?
No. ADPH says there are no Alabama laws on mold standards or testing and no state accreditation or certification for mold contractors. ADPH suggests looking for IICRC-certified firms; ask any company for its training and certifications, insurance, and an HBLB license number for rebuild work over $10,000. This is general information, not legal advice.
My Decatur house was built in the 1970s. Does that matter?
It can. Mold work often involves removing drywall, flooring or insulation. In pre-1978 homes, lead-based paint renovation work requires ADPH firm certification, and asbestos-related work requires ADEM accreditation. Ask companies how they check for lead paint and asbestos before tear-out begins. This is general information, not legal advice.
I rent in Decatur. What can I do about mold?
Alabama has no mold-specific rental law, but Ala. Code § 35-9A-204 requires landlords to keep premises habitable. Under § 35-9A-401, a tenant may give written notice of a breach materially affecting health and safety, and the lease can end at least 14 days later if it is not fixed. This is general information, not legal advice.
How fast should I act after a leak or flood?
Quickly. EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth. Stop the water source, remove standing water and wet materials you can safely move, and run fans or dehumidifiers. ADPH says people with mold allergies or asthma should not clean moldy materials themselves.
Nearby areas
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