One of the problems that Hopkins rental property owners have to address 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 one or two inches of water on the floor can lead to damages that would need tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. As a property owner, you may not be able to avoid every single water-related emergency. But there is a lot you can do to help prevent water damage– especially the kind that would result in costly repairs. Here are some tips to keep your Hopkins investment property safe from preventable floods and leaks.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Severe weather incidents may result in water damage. This is a common problem in locations where storms are just a part of life. Your property has a greater risk of water damage when there is strong wind and heavy rain. And if you’re located in a flood-prone area, flash flooding can sometimes happen.
To prevent water damage, you have to get your rental property ready to face severe weather. For example, once a year, inspect your roof for any cracks or gaps and make sure to seal them shut. If you find any missing shingles, do replace them. Also, check that your flashing, gutters, and downspouts are all working well and properly installed. If you’re expecting periods of heavy rain, start improving the drainage around your property’s foundation to move water away from the walls. If your property is in a flood zone, you’ll need to take some extra precautions. Have some sandbags or sandbagging supplies ready. These will help protect your property. Even during unexpected weather events, a little preparation can be a great help in keeping your property safe and dry.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged or incorrectly installed gutters are another common cause of water damage. Your gutter system is designed specifically to draw the water away from the rental property structure. The problem is when the gutter accumulates leaves, twigs, and other debris. Instead of water flowing through it, the water overflows over it and down the side of the house instead. This causes all kinds of problems. It could cause leaking ceilings, wood rot, damaged drywall, and even ruin your flooring. And, if it’s left clogged for a long time, leaking gutters could even erode a cement foundation and also ruin your landscaping.
This can easily be prevented by cleaning your rental property’s gutters at least twice a year. Make sure to clear out any debris that you can find, and also check the gutter system 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)
Water damage can also affect the inside of your rental property. If it happens, the culprit is usually plumbing issues. Leaking pipes, broken faucets, worn-out washing machine hoses, and old water heaters are the possible water damage sources. Even a slow or blocked drain– something people think of as a small problem– could lead to serious water damage. And that damage could require some costly emergency repairs.
To make sure water damage won’t affect the inside of your rental home, have your entire plumbing system inspected annually. During the inspection, a professional plumber will be able to see developing problems that you can fix right away. By dealing with the plumbing problems while they are small, you do a lot in preventing water disasters. Not to mention what you save on repairs. You also need to keep track of your water heater’s age and condition. Keep having it serviced regularly and, eventually, have it 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, you’ll make your cash flow a lot easier to plan, and you’d avoid unnecessary expenses.
Preventing water damage could be quite a challenge. Time, effort, and good management skills are, for sure, a requirement. Instead of doing it all yourself, consider hiring one of our professional Hopkins property managers to handle your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.
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