Properly prepping your home in the summer as a snowbird to prevent mold

As a snowbird, you likely spend your summers away from your primary residence. While you might be enjoying the warm sun, it's essential to remember that your home is still susceptible to mold growth during these months. Mold can cause severe health issues and expensive property damage if not addressed promptly. With that in mind, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your home from mold growth during your absence. In this blog, we'll discuss how to properly prep your home in the summer as a snowbird to prevent mold. If you suspect mold issues in your property, contact Mold Masters for professional help.

Why Mold Grows in Summer

Before diving into the steps to prevent mold growth, it's essential to understand why mold tends to grow more rapidly in summer. The primary factors contributing to mold growth are humidity and moisture. In the Florida summer, high temperatures and humidity create a perfect environment for mold to thrive. Additionally, closed and unventilated spaces provide an ideal breeding ground for mold spores. Consequently, it's vital to address these factors when prepping your home for the summer months.

Assess and Repair Water Leaks

One of the most critical steps to prevent mold growth is to identify and repair any water leaks in your home. Leaks can occur in various areas, including roofs, pipes, showers and appliances. Before leaving for the summer, inspect your home thoroughly and fix any leaks you find. It's also essential to clean up any standing water or damp areas to minimize the risk of mold growth.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold growth, as it helps regulate indoor humidity levels and keeps fresh air circulating. Ensure that all vents, including those in your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room, are functional and clean. If possible, invest in a smart thermostat that you can control remotely to monitor and maintain indoor temperature and humidity levels while you're away.

Use Dehumidifiers Strategically

Dehumidifiers play a significant role in reducing indoor humidity levels, making it harder for mold to grow. Place dehumidifiers in areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms, or laundry rooms. It's also a good idea to invest in a smart dehumidifier that can be controlled remotely and will notify you if there are any issues.

a room with a vacuum cleaner and a fan on the floor

Clean and Protect Surfaces

Before leaving for the summer, make sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly, paying particular attention to areas prone to mold growth, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Use a mild detergent and water to clean surfaces, and consider using a mold-resistant paint or sealant to protect surfaces from mold growth.

Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation in your home can help prevent condensation, which contributes to mold growth. Inspect your home's insulation and ensure it is adequate, particularly in areas like the attic and crawl space. If necessary, consider upgrading your insulation to better protect your home from mold.

Ask a Trusted Friend or Neighbor to Check on Your Home

Having someone you trust check on your home periodically while you're away is invaluable. They can help identify any potential issues, such as leaks, water damage, or mold growth, and address them before they become more severe. Make sure to provide them with contact information for Mold Masters in case they need professional assistance.

Properly prepping your home in the summer as a snowbird is essential to prevent mold growth during your absence. By addressing water leaks, maintaining proper ventilation, using dehumidifiers strategically, cleaning and protecting surfaces, insulating your home, and having someone check on your property, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth. If you suspect mold issues or need professional assistance in preparing your home, don't hesitate to contact Mold Masters. Our team of experts is ready to help ensure your home remains mold-free while you enjoy your summer away.

For more information, contact us online or call one of our Florida locations: North at 904-397-4030, Central at 813-606-6668, or South at 239-961-9995

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Florida insurance allows up to two years to file a Hurricane claim for Hurricane Ian

Home Owners Insurance: Deadline to File a Claim for Hurricane Ian is Approaching

By Chase Cornia • 08 May, 2024

It’s hard to believe that it was almost two years ago that Hurricane Ian devastated Florida on September 28, 2022. Our South office saw the horrifying effects that the storm surge had first hand in St James City, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers Beach. Our hearts constantly broke as we were visiting customers in what was left of their homes. Our Central office in Dunedin had to evacuate due to the concerns of the storm surge from the Tampa Bay emptying out. Many of us lost power, had roof damage, and leaky window sills from the driving rain. Our teams made sure to jump in to action to support our South customer with whatever they needed. Even when it meant they had to stay in a hotel with no roof or an AirBnB with no power. Finally, in our North office we saw our friends in Volusia County flooded for months. A home in Ponte Vedra that we remediated just one year before got complete wrecked again. To add insult to injury, Hurricane Ian and Nicole took out a lot of the sand dunes that St Johns and Flagler County have been trying to rebuild. Everyone knows where they were and what trama they endured during and after Hurricane Ian. It really does not feel like it has been almost two years since. With that being said, we wanted to make sure that homeowners know that their deadline to file a homeowners insurance claim is on the horizon. Florida insurance laws allow policyholders up to two years from the date of loss to file a Hurricane Ian claim. The date of loss is the horrible day when the hurricane made landfall in South West Florida on September 28 . Which makes your last date to file a claim be Saturday, September 28, 2024 . Granted most insurance companies are not open on Saturday, so it would probably be best to have your claim ready to go the Friday before Remember to reach out to your insurance provider promptly to ensure you meet the necessary deadlines. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask. We have our own in-house insurance specialists that would love to answer your questions. We can easily be reach at (904) 397-4030 for North Florida , (813) 606-6668 for Central Florida , and (239) 961-9995 for South Florida .

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