4 Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Vacant Fayetteville Rental Property

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

During warmer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot air is perfect conditions for mold.

During warmer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot air is perfect conditions for mold.

Your rental property is likely going to be vacant for a period of time at some point. Sometimes a property will remain vacant for weeks or even months, and an empty property is at risk for developing mold growth. In general, this fungus is relatively harmless unless it grows indoors, where it creates an unpleasant environment and in the worst case, can cause health effects. Follow these mold prevention tips now so you don’t end up paying more for a mitigation specialist in Fayetteville, AR to perform a cleanup later.

1. Turn off the water and drain the lines.

If you expect a property to be vacant for any length of time, turn off your water using the main shut-off valve and open all the faucets to allow water to drain out of the plumbing lines. Especially in the winter months when pipes can freeze and burst, turning off the water eliminates the possibility of plumbing leaks that can cause water damage. Preventing moisture from collecting anywhere is the number one key to mold prevention.

2. Do repairs first.

Before you close the property, have your contractor check for roof and outer wall leaks, clean the gutters and make sure your sump pump is in good condition. Minor repairs can turn into expensive problems later if rainwater is leaking into your building, creating the moist conditions that mold loves.

3. Leave the heat on low.

You may want to save money by shutting off utilities while the building is vacant. However, the money you may save is minimal in comparison to the cost of paying a mold mitigation specialist in Fayetteville, AR to restore your property. During cool weather, keeping the heat on low keeps the house from becoming too damp and encouraging mold spores to settle and grow.

4. Or leave the A/C running.

During summer months, mold prevention becomes more difficult because hot, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for mold. However, keeping the air conditioner running pulls moisture from the air, keeping your property’s environment cool and dry. When new tenants arrive, there won’t be any musty odors or mold problems to contend with.

SERVPRO of Fayetteville/Springdale should be your first choice for any residential or commercial restoration needs. Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage and potential threats, extract and contain the affected area, dry, and restore your property to preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of Fayetteville/Springdale is available 24/7 by calling 479-318-6774.

To learn more about our IICRC certifications, click here.

For more about SERVPRO of Fayetteville/Springdale, click here.