When it rains, it pours, especially during the summer. Depending on your geographical location, you may not have much time to prepare a rental property for rain. In a matter of minutes, heavy rains, winds and even hail can pummel your property, causing thousands of dollars in damage. On top of repair costs, you may even be responsible for reimbursing tenants for rent if their unit is unlivable.
Therefore, it’s crucial you prepare your rental property well in advance for severe weather. Here are a few practical and relatively affordable measures you can take to effectively prepare a rental property for rain before the first raincloud ever appears on the horizon.
1. Replace and Repair Windows
One way to protect your property from heavy rains is to inspect windows annually. Check for leaks, broken seals, cracks and any other problems that might allow water to seep in. Repair or replace the glass or frame depending on each one’s condition. Then, apply coatings and sealants to them to prolong their life. Doing so will also keep out water and prevent windows from shattering if the wind happens to toss a tree branch or debris their way.
2. Inspect the Roof
After a hailstorm or heavy rains, it’s not uncommon to have a roof inspection to check for damage. However, if you schedule seasonal inspections, you may be able to prevent damage from occuring in the first place. Hire a professional to look at your property’s roof and replace or repair missing or broken shingles. While these inspections may seem like unnecessary expenses, they’re essential to preventing water damage and floods, which will cost much more to repair.
3. Clear the Gutters
While you’re up there checking out the roof, you might as well take a peek at the gutters, too. Often, leaves and twigs collect on top of them, preventing proper water drainage. If heavy rains occur, they can overflow and cause rain to pool around the building foundations, ultimately resulting in flooding. Moreover, rain buildup can damage wood garage doors and roofs, resulting in more repair expenses. Clearing and repairing gutters periodically will help prevent damage and reduce costs.
4. Secure Downspouts
Likewise, debris may also clog your downspouts, so it’s important to check and clear them before heavy rains. You might also add downspout extensions to carry rainwater further away from your property to drain, thereby reducing the chance of flooding. Securing downspouts will also ensure they stay in place in the event of strong winds and rain. Attach gutter downspouts to exterior walls with brackets and bolts to keep them in place and prevent cracking and breaking.
5. Landscape
Grading also plays a major role in where water gathers and drains on your property. For instance, if the lawn slopes down towards a building, water will most likely pool around the foundation, eventually causing flooding. If you find this is the case at your property, hire a landscaping company to regrade the lawn to slop away from buildings. Additionally, you might consider regularly trimming trees as strong winds can easily break branches and send them crashing down onto roofs.
6. Invest In Flood Insurance
In general, most insurance policies don’t offer flood coverage. In order to protect your property, you’ll have to purchase additional coverage. Even then, this may not cover all damages. For instance, the National Flood Insurance Program covers electrical and plumbing systems, but won’t cover a sewer backup if it’s not a direct result of flooding. Still, some insurance is better than none. Research your options to determine which one offers the best coverage based on your risks.
7. Prepare Your Tenants
Sometimes, the best way to protect your property is to prepare tenants for the impending onslaught of rain. Convey the risks of high winds and heavy rains and advise them to close all windows and doors in preparation. You might also provide them with sandbags and other necessary items to protect the property in case of a flood. Communicating potential dangers and working together to prevent damage will ultimately be most effective in protecting your property and tenants’ personal belongings.
Plan for the Worst
You can hope for the best, but it’s smart to plan for the worst. Preparing for inclement weather before it occurs will ensure your property and tenants can withstand storms, winds and heavy rain. Moreover, taking preventative measures to protect your property can help you avoid flooding, damage and even mold in the long-term. Of course, this means fewer out-of-pocket costs and less hassle for tenants. It’s a win-win.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
