One of the top problems that Thousand Oaks rental property owners deal with is water damage. Even a relatively insignificant amount of water can be a harmful 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 significant repairs. Although it may not be feasible to altogether avoid every single water-related emergency, there is much you can do as the property owner to prevent water damage and the pricey repairs that come along with it. Follow the guides below to keep your Thousand Oaks investment property safe from preventable floods and leaks.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Water damage resulting from severe weather incidents is a prevalent issue, particularly where storms are just a part of life. Strong wind and heavy rain can both bring about water damage, and if your property is located in a flood-prone area, flash flooding can occasionally be a huge risk.
To prevent water damage, it’s significant to get your rental property prepared to survive with severe weather. For instance, make it a point to inspect your roof every year and seal any cracks or gaps you find. Replace missing shingles as required, and be certain that your flashing, gutters, and downspouts are in great condition and properly installed. Just in case periods of heavy rain are anticipated, take measures 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, think of having sandbags or sandbagging supplies on hand or nearby to help save your property. Even throughout unexpected weather events, just a bit of preparation can help keep your property safe and dry.
Clean the Gutters
Another usual reason for water damage is clogged or incorrectly installed gutters. Your rental property’s gutter system is designed to draw water away from the structure. But naturally, if your gutters are full of leaves, twigs, and other debris, that water will overflow down the side of the house instead. This can result in all kinds of concerns, from leaking ceilings, wood rot, damaged drywall, and ruined flooring. If neglected long enough, leaking gutters can even erode a cement foundation and wreak havoc on your landscaping.
An effortless and simple 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 doing small repairs on a gutter system will not only prevent water damage but will save you money on repairs, in the long run, additionally.
Inspect Your Plumbing (and Water Heater)
Water damage can likewise occur inside your rental property due to plumbing issues. Leaking pipes, broken faucets, worn-out washing machine hoses, and old water heaters are probable water damage sources. Even something as small as a slow or blocked drain can bring about massive water damage and require pricey emergency repairs.
To prevent water damage inside your rental home, have your general plumbing system inspected at least annually. A professional plumber will see developing problems that you can iron out promptly during an inspection. By mending plumbing problems, while they are minimal, you can prevent water disasters and save a huge amount of money on repairs. It’s moreover essential to keep abreast of 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 unneeded expenses.
Preventing water damage can be tedious and needs both time and good management. Rather than doing it all yourself, think of employing one of our professional Thousand Oaks property managers to deal with your preventive maintenance and inspections. To learn more, contact us online.
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