Tips for Property Managers on Water Damage
From poorly sealed windows to faulty plumbing, water damage can happen. And when it does, you need to know exactly what to do next. You may think that you could handle the problem independently, but water damage restoration is a very complicated and delicate process. It’s best not to take any chances and ruin everything. It will be of great benefit to consider a professional from a commercial restoration service to handle the condition.
Consequences as a result of water damage
Water damage can have severe consequences for your property, both immediately and long term. You can’t exactly walk away from a flooded home and expect to have everything go back to normal. These consequences include:
- Mold growth
- Deteriorated insulation
- Excess moisture
Check out these seven tips for water damage prevention and restoration to minimize the effects of water damage in your home.
1. Keep your gutters clear from leaves and debris
Ensure that gutters are free from debris so that rain does not overflow into your home via downspouts. Get routine gutter inspections every year to ensure that everything is working properly and free from clogs or loose materials hanging down off them, which could potentially cause clogs or other problems further downstream.
2. Pipe Insulation
Insulate all of your water pipes with pipe insulation. This can minimize the amount of heat that creeps up on your water pipes, prevent them from freezing in cold temperatures and make them easier to service if they get clogged or start leaking.
3. Inspect your roof
Check your roof at least once a year for visible problems such as rusting nails, cracking shingles, or other damage. A yearly checkup is recommended, especially after severe weather events such as ice storms and heavy rainfall, where you may have noticed some leakage from your roof.
4. Take care of your windows and doors
This includes proper maintenance on sashes, weather-stripping, and even replacing any loose or broken glass panes so that you do not end up with leaks from windows and doors. Properly insulated windows and doors will also help you maintain a consistent temperature in your home.
5. Use the right appliances
When purchasing any appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, or washing machines, choose models with water detectors. These are designed to alert you if there is a leak beneath the appliance before it causes too much damage.
6. Educating tenants
Educate your tenants on proper techniques for dealing with a boiler, water heater, and washer water that occasionally find its way into their homes. The sooner you can catch and repair the leak, the less prolonged the damage.
7. Double check your insurance
Before a disaster occurs, it is good to make sure that all of your insurance policies are still up-to-date. If you have a policy that covers water damage from flooding, consider making sure that you have coverage for mold and other related conditions and fire damage.
Bottom line
It is essential to take the proper precautions to prevent damage from water. You can’t account for every possible scenario, but you can help protect your property from the common ones. By thinking ahead, you will help minimize or even eliminate the consequences of water damage.
