It’s that time of year when the ice and snow melt. When we shake off the cold and gloom to embrace warmer and sunnier days. When our thoughts turn to working in the yard and sitting by the pool. Yes, Spring has sprung. However, Mother Nature has been known to give us a little too much Spring.
Homeowners and property managers should be ready to protect their property against common Spring water damage causes. You know what they saw about April showers. I’m Chris Parks with North Star Services, LLC and I’m going to identify easy solutions to help you avoid Spring water damage so you can enjoy the great weather.
Let’s run through a list of items every homeowner (as well as business owner or property manager) should check. Preventative maintenance can stop water damage accidents before they start.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Make sure your roof and gutters don’t leak & aren’t blocked by leaves or other debris
Downspouts should extend at least 1.8 meters (6 ft) from your commercial property
Ensure there aren’t any water stain marks, cracks, or other penetrations
Seals are intact around HVAC systems
Flashing around skylights, chimneys or other rooftop elements are in good condition
Roof fixtures (satellites, wiring & solar panels) are waterproofed & in good condition
Inspect Walls and Windows
Ensure the flashing & sealant of walls is stable
No sign of water penetration or mold at major wall joints, windows, doors
Window joints and flashings are stable
Weep holes aren’t clogged
Window glass is properly sealed
Cover window wells to prevent melting snow or rain from entering your home
All locks, cranks and other mechanical elements are functioning
Interior walls around windows are free of mold and water
No water or moisture build-up where walls meet the ground (flaking concrete is a sign of this)
Check Basements and Crawl Spaces
No mold, water staining, or cracks on walls
No moisture seeping up from the ground
No standing water
Drainage systems are properly working
Inspect your sump pump to ensure it is in working order
Seal foundation cracks
Check Plumbing
Repair any leaking fixtures or joints
Replace rusty pipes
Inspect washing machine hoses
Ensure irrigation systems aren’t spraying water on foundation walls
Property Exterior
Any fixtures attached to the exterior of your property should be waterproofed
Inspect grading. Update landscaping to avoid water drainage issues
Keep plumbing & piping clear and easily accessible
Drain any standing water.
Increase the number of green plants & shrubs around your property to help absorb rainwater & melted snow
Home and Property Inspection
Ask a skilled professional to investigate your home or commercial property to find any specific vulnerabilities where water damage can occur. By having a water damage expert who’s trained to look for issues, you will better protect your property in the long run.
Get the right Insurance
Whether you are rent, own or manage property, be sure that you have the correct insurance to protect your foundation and personal or business property. Most standard insurance policies do not cover flood damage whatsoever. So, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your personal or commercial insurance policy and add that protection if necessary.
Homeowner Insurance: This specific policy protects the structure of your home along with anything on your property (such as a detached garage). The more money you put into your policy, the more you will be covered
Renters Insurance: This policy protects your personal property in the home you don’t own. Although you may not be required to purchase renters by your landlord, this policy will only benefit you in the long run Theft
Commercial Insurance: Commercial property insurance protects your company’s physical assets from fire, explosions, burst pipes, storms, theft and vandalism. Earthquakes and floods typically aren’t covered by commercial property insurance, unless those perils are added to the policy.
Remember to always review your options with your insurance company.
Request A Free Inspection Today
As a certified IICRC restoration and remediation company in Nashville, Berry Hill & throughout Middle Tennessee, North Star Services, LLC uses state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and treat both commercial and residential properties. We provide free mold and other restoration inspections. And, are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergencies such as water damage, fire damage, trauma cleanup, flood and storm damage and more. Contact us at 629-221-0638 or request a free estimate now.