Did you know that the average household leak wastes over 10,000 gallons of water each year? Water causes billions of dollars in property damage each year in the United States. On a daily basis, 14,000 people in the United States are subjected to water damage. A property's average water damage claim was $10,234.
Water damage is common in homes because water runs almost everywhere, and water leaks are frequently not realized until after they have precipitated damage to surrounding areas.
Water damage destroys a lot of things, including flooring, furniture, drywall, and carpeting. You may even be able to spot some outdoor signs of water damage when revamping your curb appeal.
Water damage to your rental property is particularly dangerous. This is because water damage to your home can jeopardize not only your cash flow but also your standard of living, investment, and business.
What are Some of the Most Common Water Damage Causes?
There are many potential causes of water damage, and it is not always easy to identify the source of the problem. Hidden water leaks can be particularly difficult to detect, and they can cause serious damage if they are not fixed in a timely manner.
Often, it's more cost efficient to spot the issue early and renovate than it is to ignore it until it becomes a large problem.
It's critical to locate the source of a water leak as soon as possible. The property owner or management team will almost certainly need to hire a plumber or a property restoration company to locate and identify the problem.
The following are the common causes of water damage:
• A broken, leaking, burst, or damaged pipe
• A faulty appliance, such as a washing machine, water heater, etc
• Freezing
• A clogged drain
• Clogged gutters
• A leaking roof
• A faulty sprinkler system
• Foundation cracks
• Malfunctioned plumbing fixtures and fittings such as WHB, toilet, kitchen sink, etc
• Water build-up
• Rust build-up
• Noticeable tree roots
• Pipe insulation that isn't up to code
• Potable water
• Use of harsh chemicals
The following are signs of water damage:
• Mold or mildew growth in a bathroom, kitchen, or pedestal sink that returns after cleaning
• Ceiling blotches could indicate water leaking through the walls or floors
• Crack on walls
• Conspicuous blisters on the building paint work
• Accumulating of water on the floor
• Sagging, or cupped wood floors
• Dry rot in wooden components of the building
• An unconventional variation in the monthly bill could indicate water damage
What are Some Helpful Hints for Avoiding Water Damage?
The ultimate goal of property investment is to generate a consistent income. However, if you do not take the necessary precautions to protect your rental property from water damage, this may be difficult to achieve.
Whether you're a landlord, a tenant, or a homeowner, there are a number of approaches you can use to lessen the occurrence of water damage to your property.
.jpg)
Here are some pointers:
Examine Your Gutters Regularly
Every so often, usually once or twice a year, clean out the rain gutters and extract any debris or foliage that has accumulated. If you can, have your gutters angled down. This allows the current to flow away from your premises instead of accumulating around the perimeter and seeping into the home’s foundations.
Examine the Downspouts in Your Home
If applicable, span gutter downspouts away from the building. Because the purpose of a responsive drainage network is to stop as much water as possible from accumulating anywhere around building, doing this guarantees the downspouts point the water away from the property and minimizes the incidence of flooding.
Examine downspouts for impairment and recondition any ruptured components.
Assess the Yard's Condition for Leveling
Look at the grading of the land. During torrential downpours, water can quickly accumulate on level land, putting your home at stake. Rental homes with an innately undulating yard are ideal for water drainage.
Check the Outdoor Drains Regularly
The easiest way to avoid clogged drains is by watching out for debris that may be blocking them, especially near doorways. If you see something suspicious, such as an empty chip bag or piece of string, then take care not to let those items block your drain!
Inspect Your Roofing
The roof is often overlooked as a potential source of water damage. You may not realize you have a problem until there are spots on the ceiling! To prevent this from happening, inspect your home regularly and check its roof every year or so. At least once per month if possible.
You should check out to see whether any shingles need replacing due to normal wear & tear. Also watch out for cracks which could allow rainwater into furniture inside.
Ensure All the Windows are Properly Sealed
Make sure your windows are sealed properly to prevent water from seeping into the walls and damaging everything. Seal up any cracks with putty or caulk before they can cause more problems!
Confirm Your Pump is Working Properly
If you’ve noticed that there’s unusual flooding in your basement, it could be due to a damaged machine. The best way for this problem to get solved would involve getting an inspection from one of our licensed contractors who are experts and can recommend repairs or replacements accordingly.
Inspect the Walls for Cracks
If you're concerned about water damage, it's important that your home is properly supported. Cracks in both external and interior walls can allow leaks which will erode away at the foundation of the building over time.
Bottom Line
Gifford Properties and Management provides management services to rental property owners in Fleming Island and Jacksonville, Florida. We can assist you in better managing and growing your investment. We have the expertise, facilities, methodologies and expertise to effectively manage your rental properties.
We provide portfolio management, tenant screening, property marketing, routine property inspections, repairs, and maintenance, as well as addressing resident concerns in your Florida rental home as part of our services at Gifford Property Management.
We also have experts who can detect any early signs of water damage before it provokes financial harm. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
