Gentilly is one of New Orleans’ most mold-affected neighborhoods — and for good reason. This lakeside community was among the hardest hit during Hurricane Katrina, with widespread flooding that left thousands of homes with structural water damage. Despite extensive rebuilding, many Gentilly properties still harbor hidden mold from incomplete drying, inadequate remediation, or recurring moisture intrusion. Big Easy Mold Removal specializes in mold removal in Gentilly, providing certified assessment and remediation to homeowners throughout this historic New Orleans neighborhood.
Gentilly’s Unique Mold Problem
Gentilly stretches along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the 7th Ward and Gentilly Terrace neighborhoods. Much of the area sits at or below sea level, and before Katrina, was protected by levees that were ultimately overtopped. When the levees failed in August 2005, significant portions of Gentilly flooded, with some blocks taking on 6 to 10 feet of water for two to three weeks.
Two decades later, the consequences of that flooding are still being discovered. Homes that were rebuilt or repaired quickly after Katrina — often with insurance money under time pressure — may not have been fully dried before wall materials were closed up. Mold established in those cavities has had nearly 20 years to grow, and in many cases is discovered during renovations or when respiratory symptoms prompt investigation.
Gentilly’s housing stock also includes many post-war homes (1940s–1960s) with original wood framing, original plaster walls, and older roof systems that are more susceptible to moisture intrusion. As these homes age and undergo renovation, hidden mold is routinely uncovered.
Our Gentilly Mold Removal Services
Post-Katrina Mold Assessment
If your Gentilly home flooded during Katrina or any subsequent storm event and hasn’t had professional mold testing, we recommend a full assessment. We use air sampling, thermal imaging, and moisture meters to locate hidden mold that inspection alone might miss.
Pre-Renovation Mold Testing
Before you open walls for a renovation project in Gentilly, test for mold first. Disturbing mold-contaminated wall cavities without proper containment can spread spores throughout your home. We test and contain before your contractor starts work.
Full Mold Remediation
When mold is confirmed, we establish containment, remove contaminated materials, treat affected structural elements with EPA-registered antimicrobials, and verify clearance with post-remediation air testing. We provide full documentation for insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mold Removal in Gentilly
My Gentilly house was “gutted and rebuilt” after Katrina. Do I still need mold testing?
If the gutting and rebuilding was thorough and properly dried, probably not — but many post-Katrina rebuilds were rushed, and some homes that were “rebuilt” retained original framing or subfloor materials that weren’t fully dried or treated. If you have any musty odor, unexplained staining, or respiratory symptoms, testing is worthwhile.
I found black stuff behind my walls during a Gentilly renovation. What should I do?
Stop work immediately and don’t disturb it further. Call us for an emergency assessment. Disturbing mold without proper containment causes massive cross-contamination. We can assess, contain, and remediate before your contractor continues work.
Can mold from Katrina still be active after all these years?
Yes — mold in enclosed wall cavities can remain dormant for years and reactivate with any moisture introduction. Even small roof leaks or plumbing drips can reactivate mold that has been dormant since 2005. Active mold produces spores regardless of its age.
Serving all of Gentilly including Gentilly Terrace, Gentilly Woods, Pontchartrain Park, Dillard, Fillmore, and surrounding New Orleans neighborhoods. Same-day emergency response available.