Tips for Conquering Mold in Your Unoccupied Rental Home

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Mold prevention is possible if you maintain a low level of heat to dry up excess moisture

Here Are Some Tips To Protect Your Home

If you own a rental home that will be vacant during the winter in Gilberts, IL, it is essential to have a mold prevention strategy. High humidity in unoccupied properties encourages water damage and rapid mold growth with costly consequences. 

Stop Water Flow
It is essential to clear your unoccupied home's pipes and turn off its water supply to prevent water from freezing in its plumbing system during the winter. Frozen water might put immense pressure on pipes until they burst and unleash gallons of water into your property. Water vacuuming methods can extract significant amounts of water but may not prevent the spread of mold, which may require a mold remediation company's services.

Maintain Adequate Heat
During the winter months, severe weather that brings snow, rain, and hail can naturally increase your rental home's moisture level and breed mold. Mold prevention is possible if you maintain a low level of heat to dry up excess moisture.

Undertake Necessary Repairs
It is essential to inspect critical areas of your home before severe winter weather hits, including:

• Roof and gutters
• Windows and doors
• Foundation and landscape
• Plumbing and electrical systems

Be sure to repair holes and cracks, remove and replace damaged parts and eliminate potential hazards that could lead to water damage complications.

Open Closet Doors
Dark, contained spaces absorb moisture and are prime conditions for mold growth. The closets and dark rooms in your home are most susceptible to this, but keeping their doors open can create air circulation that prevents moisture build-up.

Adjust Window Treatments
Unoccupied homes are susceptible to mold because they tend to remain dark. Make up for the consistent lighting your home receives during its occupancy by exposing portions of its windows to natural light that can enter during the day.
The difficulties of owning an unoccupied rental home can multiply if you don't have a mold prevention strategy.