One of the top problems that Madison Heights rental property owners deal with is water damage. Even just a little amount of water can turn into a damaging force, creeping into ceiling joists, walls, floors, and even weakening a building’s very foundation. Just an inch or two of water on the floor can result in tens of thousands of dollars in vital repairs. Even though it may not be indeed probable to get away with every single water-related emergency, there’s a bunch you can do as the property owner to prevent water damage and the expensive repairs that are associated with it. Follow the notes below to keep your Madison Heights investment property safe from preventable floods and leaks.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Water damage because of severe weather incidents is a very common dilemma, in particular where storms are just a part of life. Strong wind and heavy rain can both induce water damage, and if your property is located in a flood-prone area, flash flooding can at times be a major risk.
To prevent water damage, it’s vital to get your rental property set and ready to endure severe weather. As an example, guarantee to inspect your roof every year and seal any cracks or gaps you find. Replace missing shingles according to need, and make certain that your flashing, gutters, and downspouts are in mint condition and perfectly installed. When periods of heavy rain are up and coming, take 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, look into having sandbags or sandbagging supplies on hand or nearby to help safeguard your property. Even with unexpected weather events, whatever kind of preparation can help keep your property safe and dry.
Clean the Gutters
Another regular root 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. Moreover, if your gutters are full of leaves, twigs, and other debris, that water will overflow down the side of the house instead. This can bring on all sorts of nuisances, from leaking ceilings, wood rot, damaged drywall, and ruined flooring. If abandoned or neglected long enough, leaking gutters can even erode a cement foundation and wreak havoc on your landscaping.
The trouble-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 executing small repairs on a gutter system will not only prevent water damage but will save you money on repairs, in the long run, moreover.
Inspect Your Plumbing (and Water Heater)
Water damage can equally develop inside your rental property due to plumbing issues. Leaking pipes, broken faucets, worn-out washing machine hoses, and old water heaters are prospective water damage root causes. Even something as small as a slow or blocked drain can induce dangerous water damage and require financially wasteful emergency repairs.
To prevent water damage inside your rental home, have your total plumbing system inspected at least per annum. A professional plumber will detect developing problems that you can solve easily during an inspection. By settling plumbing problems, while they are still small, you can prevent water disasters and save a great deal of money on repairs. It’s, as well, imperative to keep up to date with 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 inessential expenses.
Preventing water damage can be difficult and necessitates both time and good management. As an alternative to doing it all yourself, look into engaging one of our professional Madison Heights property managers to administer your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.
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