A Fresh Start To The School Year
Summer on campus often brings a rare quiet. Fewer classes and less populated dorms allow maintenance teams to shift their attention to routine repairs and seasonal upgrades. But for colleges like Coe College, Mount Mercy University, and Cornell College, the humid Cedar Rapids summer can quietly take its toll on buildings that sit unused or underused.
Each of these institutions has a unique campus layout, student population, and building footprint. Cornell's historic halls, Coe’s downtown-adjacent facilities, and Mount Mercy's hillside structures all face different summer-related risks—but can all benefit from proactive preparation.
Most facility teams have a summer checklist. But what about the problems that don’t show up until after the semester starts—the odors, the leaks, the indoor air complaints? These are often caused by unseen issues that form during the break. Here’s how to spot and solve them before they cause disruptions.
Moisture Buildup in Low-Traffic Areas
The risk: Classrooms, storage rooms, and basement-level offices may be sealed off for weeks. In Cedar Rapids’s humid summer climate, stagnant air and poor ventilation can lead to condensation and hidden moisture problems, resulting in mold, warped wood, or weakened drywall.
What to do: At Mount Mercy University, where some buildings sit against sloped terrain, moisture intrusion can go unnoticed until it escalates. Conduct walkthroughs of basement levels and underused offices. In older facilities at Cornell College, watch for signs of moisture stress in plaster walls and wood trim. At Coe, check music rooms and art studios that may have specialty materials vulnerable to humidity.
Dormant Plumbing Can Harbor Biofilm or Bacteria
The risk: Stagnant water sitting in pipes, drinking fountains, and shower lines all summer long can lead to bacterial buildup and biofilm, particularly in older plumbing systems. Legionella, for example, can develop in water systems left idle for long periods.
What to do: Mount Mercy’s residence halls and athletic centers should have water lines flushed thoroughly before early move-ins begin. Coe’s campus, interspersed with mixed-use academic buildings, benefits from water sampling and line purging. Cornell’s older science buildings and dormitories should consider potable water testing in advance of student return.
Carpet and Upholstery Contaminants
The risk: Dust, allergens, and microbial contaminants settle deep into carpets and soft furniture over the summer, especially in areas with minimal air circulation like student lounges or library corners.
What to do: Coe’s student union, Mount Mercy’s chapel, and Cornell’s residence hall common areas all see high traffic during the school year—and need deep cleaning before students arrive. Schedule upholstery and carpet cleaning in gathering spaces, quiet study rooms, and commuter lounges to ensure air quality and freshness.
Pests in Undisturbed Areas
The risk: Quiet buildings become ideal hiding spots for rodents, insects, and other pests. Left unchecked, infestations can grow and cause structural or electrical damage.
What to do: For Mount Mercy, attics in older academic buildings should be a focus. At Coe, basements in science and storage buildings need careful inspection. Cornell, with its historic architecture and older dormitories, should inspect baseboards, crawlspaces, and drop ceilings for signs of nesting.
Hidden Storm Damage from Summer Weather
The risk: Cedar Rapids is no stranger to intense summer storms. Roofing, siding, and gutters may sustain damage that goes unnoticed until fall rains reveal interior leaks.
What to do: At Coe, where urban buildings often have flat or modified roofs, blocked drainage or flashing issues can lead to water entry. Mount Mercy’s hillside exposure increases vulnerability to wind uplift and rain runoff. Cornell’s classic pitched rooftops and stone construction require careful inspection for displaced shingles, clogged gutters, and cracked masonry joints.
Unexpected Odors from Closed-Off Spaces
The risk: Music rooms, science labs, locker rooms, and theater spaces can develop strong odors when closed for long periods. These can be disruptive and difficult to eliminate.
What to do: Cornell's fine arts spaces, Coe’s athletic and performance venues, and Mount Mercy’s nursing labs and health education rooms are especially vulnerable to stale air, chemical residue, or mildew. Conduct air quality checks and deodorization in these areas before faculty or students report issues.
Deferred Maintenance Backlogs
The risk: With limited summer staffing, smaller issues like leaks, cracked tiles, or malfunctioning lights can go unresolved, compounding over time.
What to do: At Coe, track recurring requests in classrooms and tech labs. Cornell may benefit from walkthroughs in aging lecture halls and dormitories to catch deferred repairs. Mount Mercy's multi-level buildings can hide minor wear-and-tear that snowballs into student complaints during orientation week.
A Partner in Preparedness
Cedar Rapids college campuses are vibrant and complex—but summer downtime creates opportunity for hidden problems to grow. ServiceMaster by Rice - Cedar Rapids will work behind the scenes with facilities teams at Coe College, Mount Mercy University, and Cornell College to uncover and resolve these issues before they impact students or faculty.
From storm inspections and mold remediation to first response disaster recovery, our team specializes in fast, discreet, and high-quality restoration that keeps academic operations running smoothly.
Partnering with a local restoration expert means your team is supported, your buildings are protected, and your campus is ready.
Reach out to ServiceMaster by Rice - Cedar Rapids to schedule a walkthrough or learn more about campus-specific restoration services.
Let us help you go beyond the checklist—so you're not just ready, you're ahead
