One of the problems that Lawrenceville rental property owners have to address is water damage. Even when the quantity of water is small, it can still damage a building. It can get into ceiling joists, walls, floors, and even weaken the 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 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. The following are tips that can keep your Lawrenceville investment property safe from preventable floods and leaks.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Severe weather incidents can lead to water damage. This is quite common in areas where people face storms regularly. 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 need to have your rental property prepared to withstand severe weather. For example, once a year, inspect your roof for any cracks or gaps and make sure to seal them shut. If you spot any missing shingles, replace them as needed. Then, check your flashing, gutters, and downspouts to make sure they are all installed correctly and in good working condition. 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 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 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 comes when your gutters are full of leaves, twigs, and other debris. The water would collect then overflow down the side of the house. When this happens, there’s a risk for a variety of problems. You could have leaking ceilings, wood rot, damaged drywall, or ruined 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. Clear out any debris you find and also check for leaks and pooling water in the gutter system. 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 occur inside your rental property because of plumbing issues. 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 from affecting the inside of your rental home, make it a point to have an annual inspection of your entire plumbing system. A professional plumber would be able to spot developing problems during an inspection. Then you could have these issues dealt with immediately. You prevent water disasters when you treat plumbing problems while they’re small. You also prevent spending a lot of money on repairs when you do that. 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 possibly flood a basement or garage and damage it. If this were to happen, you’d have to pay for clean-up and repairs on top of having to purchase a replacement water heater. 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 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 Lawrenceville property managers to handle your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.
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