What Is That Smell? -Bonita Springs, FL

As the busy winter months wind down, many seasonal residents leave their Southwest Florida homes behind for the summer. With the Fort Myers off-season, however, comes intense heat, high humidity, and frequent storms — conditions that make vacant homes particularly vulnerable to water damage and mold growth. When no one's around to spot early warning signs, small issues can escalate quickly. That's why preparing vacation homes for the Fort Myers off-season is crucial for preventing water and mold issues. Why Your Vacant Fort Myers Home Is a Target for Mold and Water Damage Florida's climate creates the perfect environment for mold, especially during the humid off-peak season. When a vacation home sits empty, everyday systems that usually get attention, or simply benefit from regular use, go unnoticed. In an occupied home, you'd quickly spot a small puddle under the sink, notice a musty smell, or hear a dripping sound. In a vacant home, these things can go undetected for weeks or even months. Since no one is present to catch warning signs early, use systems regularly, and maintain regular air circulation, small issues have more time to spread. High humidity accelerates mold growth, and a lack of airflow allows moisture to linger. Taking steps to prevent mold in your vacant Florida home is the best defense against costly repairs and insurance headaches. Your Pre-Departure Checklist for a Mold-Free Off-Season While winterizing Florida vacation homes is a key part of snowbird home preparation in Fort Myers, the summer off-season requires a different approach. Off-peak Florida seasonal home preparation significantly reduces the risk of moisture intrusion, system failures, and mold growth. Before locking up and heading north, conduct a thorough walk-through of your property to help safeguard it inside and out. Interior Preparations for a Healthy Home Inside the home, focus on controlling humidity, eliminating potential water risks , and reducing conditions that promote mold growth: HVAC and humidity control: Avoid turning the AC completely off. Set your thermostat to around 78-80° Fahrenheit with humidity control at 50%-55%. Have your HVAC system serviced, and make sure condensate lines are clear to prevent dripping or backups. Plumbing and water sources: Shut off the main water supply to prevent leaks from burst pipes or failed toilets. As an extra precaution, consider draining the water lines. Appliance care: Empty, turn off, unplug, clean, and prop open refrigerators. Run a cleaning cycle on dishwashers and washing machines, and leave their doors open — keeping appliances dry discourages mold and mildew. Exterior and Structural Safeguards Exterior vacation home maintenance in Fort Myers helps defend against water intrusion caused by storm damage: Roof and gutter inspection: Repair loose shingles, clean gutters, and confirm that downspouts move water away from the home. Windows and doors: Seal gaps, replace failing weather stripping, and verify that all openings are watertight. Landscaping: Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to prevent moisture buildup and minimize the risk of storm damage. Protect Your Home All Off-Season With Professional Support By taking these preventive measures, you can enjoy your time away, knowing your home will remain dry and secure throughout the off-season. If you suspect hidden moisture, notice musty odors, or want a thorough inspection before you leave, expert help can give you even more reassurance. Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida specializes in water damage restoration and mold remediation tailored to Florida's climate. Our trained technicians provide inspection, repairs, and mold removal to help protect your home year-round. Contact us today to schedule your inspection or service.

How to Prevent Mold in Florida Homes: A Homeowner's Guide

If you’ve experienced water damage, don’t ignore the warning signs. Contact Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida today for a thorough inspection and professional restoration services. Protect your home, health, and investment by taking action now.

At Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida, we specialize in storm damage restoration, helping Bonita Springs homeowners recover quickly and effectively. Here’s a guide to addressing roof damage caused by storms and protecting your property.

At Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida, we specialize in helping homeowners in Naples, FL, recover from storm damage efficiently and safely. Here’s a comprehensive guide to storm damage cleanup and what to expect during the process.

Fire damage can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and a trusted partner like Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida, recovery is possible. If your property has been affected by fire, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you turn the page and move forward.

At Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida, located in beautiful Naples, FL, we specialize in returning fire-damaged properties to their former glory. Let us take you behind the scenes of our restoration process to show you how we bring hope and renewal to our clients.

At Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida, we understand the dangers of sewage backups and offer professional, prompt cleanup services to ensure your safety and restore your property. Here’s why timely sewage backup cleanup is essential for your health and how it can protect your home from further harm.

One of the ways we do this is by offering free fire damage inspections for properties in Naples, FL.