A problem that Mooresville rental property owners need to be prepared for is water damage. Even when the amount of water is relatively small, it can still be destructive. It could creep into the ceiling joists, walls, floors, and even weaken the very foundation of the building. 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, it really isn’t possible to avoid every water-related emergency. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent water damage. This would, in turn, save you from the costly repairs that come with it. Here are tips that you can follow to keep your Mooresville 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, you have to get your rental property ready to face severe weather. For example, do an annual inspection of your roof and seal any cracks or gaps you find. If there are any missing shingles, replace them. Then, make sure that your flashing, gutters, and downspouts are installed correctly and in good shape. If heavy rain is approaching your area, check that the drainage around your property’s foundation is helping water move away from the walls. If your property is located in a flood zone, you’ll need some additional protection. Have sandbags or sandbagging supplies on hand (or nearby) as a precaution. Even during unexpected weather events, preparation is important. It is key to keeping your property safe and dry.
Clean the Gutters
Another usual cause of water damage is having clogged gutters. Sometimes, they may not even be correctly installed. Your rental property’s gutter system is designed to redirect the water away from the 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.
To prevent this from happening, 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 get into the practice of cleaning and making small repairs on a gutter system, you’ll be preventing water damage. In addition to that, you’ll also save on repair costs in the long run.
Inspect Your Plumbing (and Water Heater)
The inside of your rental property could also get water damage. If it happens, it’s usually because of plumbing issues. Leaking pipes, broken faucets, worn-out washing machine hoses, and old water heaters are the potential causes of water damage. 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 prevent water damage inside your rental home, see to it that you go through an annual inspection of your entire plumbing system. 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 keep track of your water heater’s age and condition. See to it that it gets serviced regularly and that it’s replaced before it fails. A failing water heater may flood a basement or garage, depending on the situation. If this happens, you’d have to pay for clean-up and repairs in addition to the cost of buying a replacement 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 challenging. You’d need to spend a lot of time and effort. Instead of doing it all yourself, consider hiring one of our professional Mooresville property managers to handle your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.
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