Prepare for Severe Weather
Water damage from severe weather incidents is a regular complication, mainly where storms are just a part of life. Strong wind and heavy rain can both result in water damage, and if your property is located in a flood-prone area, flash flooding can every so often become a greater risk.
To prevent water damage, it’s advisable to get your rental property geared up to last or endure severe weather. As an instance, make certain to inspect your roof every year and seal any cracks or gaps you find. Replace missing shingles as may be required, and see to it that your flashing, gutters, and downspouts are in satisfactory condition and well installed. If, indeed, periods of heavy rain are expected to happen, take appropriate actions to improve the drainage around your property’s foundation to help water flow away from the walls. If your property is in a flood zone, take into account having sandbags or sandbagging supplies on hand or nearby to help hedge in your property. Even over unexpected weather events, a bit of preparation can help keep your property safe and dry.
Clean the Gutters
Another usual cause of water damage is clogged or incorrectly installed gutters. Your rental property’s gutter system is designed to draw water away from the structure. Though if your gutters are full of leaves, twigs, and other debris, that water will overflow down the side of the house instead. This can trigger all varieties of issues, from leaking ceilings, wood rot, damaged drywall, and ruined flooring. If forgotten or left long enough, leaking gutters can even erode a cement foundation and wreak havoc on your landscaping.
The worry-free fix here is to clean your rental property’s gutters at least twice a year. Debris should be cleared out, and the gutter system checked for leaks and pooling water. Cleaning and performing small repairs on a gutter system will not only prevent water damage but certainly will save you money on repairs, in the long run, furthermore.
Inspect Your Plumbing (and Water Heater)
Water damage can additionally ensue inside your rental property due to plumbing issues. Leaking pipes, broken faucets, worn-out washing machine hoses, and old water heaters are all probable water damage causes. Even something as small as a slow or blocked drain can result in huge water damage and require exorbitant emergency repairs.
To prevent water damage inside your rental home, have your overall plumbing system inspected at least year after year. A professional plumber can easily find developing problems that you can at once iron out during an inspection. By fixing plumbing problems while they are still starting to develop, you can prevent water disasters and save heaps of money on repairs. It’s also relevant to be aware of your water heater’s age and condition and have it serviced regularly and replaced before it fails. A failing water heater can flood a basement or garage, adding the cost of clean-up and repairs to the cost of replacing the unit itself. By replacing it before it fails, you can better manage your cash flows and avoid laborious expenses.
Preventing water damage can be tough and calls for both time and good management. In lieu of doing it all yourself, take into account appointing one of our professional Pasadena property managers to manage your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.