**Houston Homes: Is New Siding Hiding Lung Mold?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 3, 2025

The musty smell hits you first. It’s faint, almost unnoticeable, but it’s there. You just had new siding installed on your Houston home, thinking you were finally putting an end to those nagging leaks and drafts. But now, a nagging worry creeps in: could there be mold lurking behind that fresh facade? In Houston’s humid climate, it’s a legitimate concern. Ignoring it could lead to serious health problems and costly repairs down the line.

This isn’t about scare tactics; it’s about being proactive. We’re going to dive deep into how Houston homeowners can assess the risk of mold behind new siding, focusing on practical, actionable steps you can take yourself. We’ll also discuss when it’s time to call in the professionals, and how to navigate the often-confusing world of mold remediation in the Lone Star State.

First, understand that new siding, while beneficial, can sometimes trap existing moisture or create new moisture problems if not installed correctly. Improper flashing, inadequate ventilation, or pre-existing leaks can all contribute to mold growth. The key is early detection.

Let’s start with the simplest method: visual inspection. Don’t just admire your new siding; look for clues.

• Water Stains: Check for any discoloration or staining on the interior walls, especially around windows and doors. This is a telltale sign of water intrusion.
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture behind the walls can cause paint to bubble and peel, or wallpaper to loosen.
• Musty Odors: That faint musty smell we mentioned earlier? Don’t dismiss it. It’s often the first indicator of mold. Sniff around areas where walls meet floors, and near plumbing.
• Visible Mold Growth: Obvious, right? But mold can be sneaky. Look for dark spots or fuzzy growth, especially in damp areas like bathrooms or kitchens that share a wall with the newly sided exterior.

Now, let’s get a little more technical. A moisture meter is an invaluable tool for Houston homeowners. These devices measure the moisture content of building materials, allowing you to detect hidden water damage. You can purchase a decent moisture meter at most hardware stores for around $50-$100.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Calibration: Always calibrate your moisture meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Target Areas: Focus on areas where you suspect moisture intrusion, such as around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations.
3. Multiple Readings: Take several readings in each area to get an accurate assessment.
4. Compare Readings: Compare the readings to the recommended moisture levels for different building materials. Wood, for example, should ideally have a moisture content below 16%. Anything above 20% is a red flag.

Challenge: Moisture meters can be affected by the type of material being tested. Some meters have settings for different materials (drywall, wood, etc.). Always use the correct setting.

Pitfall: Don’t rely solely on a moisture meter. It’s a helpful tool, but it’s not foolproof. Visual inspection and odor detection are still important.

If you suspect mold, but can’t see it or pinpoint the source of the moisture, it’s time to consider mold-specific air quality testing. In Houston, with its diverse range of molds, this is particularly important.

There are two main types of air quality tests:

• DIY Mold Test Kits: These kits typically involve collecting air samples using a petri dish and sending them to a lab for analysis. They’re relatively inexpensive (around $30-$50), but the results can be unreliable.
• Professional Mold Inspection: A certified mold inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of your home, collect air and surface samples, and send them to a qualified laboratory for analysis. This is the more accurate and reliable option, but it’s also more expensive (typically $300-$500).

Why choose professional testing?

A professional inspector can identify the specific types of mold present in your home. This is crucial because some molds are more toxic than others. For example, Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) is known to produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems. Knowing the type of mold allows you to tailor your remediation efforts accordingly.

Challenge: Interpreting mold test results can be confusing. Labs typically provide a report with the types and concentrations of mold spores found in your samples.

Solution: Don’t try to decipher the report yourself. A qualified mold inspector can explain the results in plain English and recommend the appropriate course of action. They can also compare the indoor mold levels to outdoor levels to determine if there’s an active mold problem inside your home.

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the problem: Mold won’t go away on its own. It will only get worse over time.
• Attempting to clean up mold without proper protection: Mold spores can be harmful to your health. Always wear a respirator, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning mold.
• Using bleach as the only cleaning solution: Bleach can kill surface mold, but it doesn’t penetrate porous materials like drywall or wood. It also doesn’t address the underlying moisture problem.
• Failing to address the source of the moisture: If you don’t fix the leak or ventilation problem, the mold will simply return.

DIY Remediation vs. Professional Remediation:

For small areas of mold growth (less than 10 square feet), you may be able to handle the remediation yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify and fix the source of the moisture.
2. Contain the area: Seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of mold spores.
3. Wear protective gear: Respirator, gloves, and eye protection are essential.
4. Clean the affected area: Use a HEPA vacuum to remove loose mold spores. Then, scrub the area with a mold-killing solution (available at most hardware stores).
5. Dry the area thoroughly: Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area completely.
6. Monitor the area: Check for any signs of regrowth.

When to call a professional:

• If the mold covers a large area (more than 10 square feet).
• If you have health problems that could be exacerbated by mold exposure.
• If you can’t identify or fix the source of the moisture.
• If you’re uncomfortable handling mold remediation yourself.

Finding a qualified mold remediation contractor in Houston:

• Check their credentials: Make sure they are licensed and insured. In Texas, mold remediation contractors must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).
• Get multiple bids: Don’t just go with the first contractor you find. Get at least three bids and compare them carefully.
• Ask for references: Talk to previous clients to see if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work.
• Read online reviews: Check online review sites like Yelp and Google to see what other people are saying about the contractor.
• Make sure they have experience with the type of mold you have: Some contractors specialize in certain types of mold remediation.

Protecting your Houston home from mold after new siding installation requires vigilance and a proactive approach. By understanding the risks, knowing how to identify potential problems, and taking appropriate action, you can ensure a healthy and safe living environment for you and your family. Don’t let that musty smell linger; take control and breathe easy.