Despite the winter storm over the past few days, a relatively mild winter may have reduced the urgency for summer felt by residents of the Tri-State area. When residents do travel though, they'll need to make sure their vacation homes are properly prepared for colder winter weather when they leave, or else they risk mold buildup, which may require the assistance of a mold testing expert to address.

Homeowners should understand that many properties that are currently used for vacationers were once used as permanent homes, so they may not have been constructed to withstand harsh winters without regular use. Unless an owner hires someone to monitor their property during the winter, he or she needs to take special precautions involving winterizing.

In the summer months, even if homes are kept open, humidity can build up. When moisture condenses, mold and mildew are formed inside walls and in nooks that may not be immediately visible to residents.

As effectively as moisture stimulates mold growth, regular air circulation can create an environment in which mold struggles to take hold. At the end of the summer, homeowners may set up a fan system that runs on a timer, in order to promote air flow without wasting too much electricity. Another do-it-yourself remedy is to place containers of charcoal throughout the home to absorb moisture and odors from mold.

If odors persist despite these solutions, a homeowner may need to solicit the help of a home mold inspection service. The presence of mold is not always readily obvious, but a professional inspection for mold can identify most of these problems. A Washington, D.C. home inspector may not be able to perform all the necessary repairs to a home, especially if more intricate work needs to be done.