A common problem that Sparta rental property owners have to face is water damage. Even when it’s just a small quantity of water, it can still be destructive– getting into ceiling joists, walls, floors, and even weakening a building’s very foundation. Just a shallow couple of inches of water on the floor can result in damages that would cost tens of thousands of dollars worth of repairs. As a property owner, you really can’t avoid every single water-related emergency. But you can do things to help prevent water damage and the resulting repairs. The following are tips that can keep your Sparta investment property safe from preventable floods and leaks.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Severe weather incidents can bring about water damage. This is especially common in places where storms are just part of life. You may get some water damage if there are strong winds and heavy rain. On top of that, if your property is in a flood-prone area, you’ll need to prepare against the risk of flash flooding.
To prevent water damage, it’s critical to equip your rental property for severe weather. For instance, every year, be sure to inspect your roof for any cracks or gaps and make sure that you seal them shut. If you notice any missing shingles, replace them. Also, inspect your flashing, gutters, and downspouts. Make sure they are all in good working condition. If you’re expecting some heavy rain, make sure that the drainage around your property’s foundation is helping water flow away from the walls. If your property is in a flood zone, you will need extra precaution. Consider having sandbags or sandbagging supplies on the ready to help protect your property. Even during unexpected weather events, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your property safe and dry.
Clean the Gutters
Another cause of water damage is clogged gutters. Sometimes, they may even be incorrectly installed. The gutter system is designed to draw water away from the rental property structure. The issue is when the gutter collects too many leaves, twigs, and other debris. Instead of the water going through it, it pools and overflows and goes down the side of the house. This causes all kinds of problems. It could cause leaking ceilings, wood rot, damaged drywall, and even ruin your flooring. And, if leaking gutters aren’t cleaned quickly enough, the water damage may reach the cement foundation and start to erode it. Also, this would wreak havoc on your landscaping.
To prevent this problem, simply clean your rental property’s gutters at least twice a year. Remove any debris you find in your gutter system and also check it for leaks and pooling water. When you clean and make small repairs on a gutter system, you not only prevent water damage but you’ll get to save some money on repairs in the long run.
Inspect Your Plumbing (and Water Heater)
The inside of your rental property could also suffer from water damage. Usually, plumbing issues are to blame. Leaking pipes, broken faucets, worn-out washing machine hoses, and old water heaters are the usual sources of water damage. Even something many people consider insignificant– like a slow or blocked drain– can cause serious water damage that would need expensive emergency repairs.
To prevent water damage inside your rental home, make sure that you have your plumbing system inspected at least once a year. During the inspection, a professional plumber will notice any developing problems before they become obvious. You can then have that fixed right away. By addressing plumbing problems before they worsen, you prevent water disasters. You also prevent having to pay a lot of money on repairs. You should also be on top of your water heater’s age and condition. Make sure that it gets serviced regularly and, eventually, replaced before it fails. A failing water heater can potentially flood a basement or garage. This would mean you’d have to pay for the clean-up cost and repairs on top of the cost of replacing the unit. By replacing it before it fails, your cash flows will be easier to manage and you’d avoid any unnecessary expenses.
Preventing water damage could be a bit of a challenge. Good management skills and a lot of time are required. Instead of doing it all yourself, consider hiring one of our professional Sparta property managers to handle your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
