As summer storms approach, they can deliver more than mere precipitation. They can cause major troubles for rental property owners and landlords who are unprepared. Intense rainfall, clogged gutters, and inadequate drainage can result in water damage that is expensive and distressing to repair.
Fortunately, with some straightforward measures, you can protect your rental property, ensure renters remain secure and comfortable, and avoid unwanted surprises. Continue reading for your vital handbook to intelligent rental property drainage, gutter maintenance, and landlord storm prep this period.
Why Rental Property Drainage Matters
For various motives, good water drainage is among the most crucial aspects to monitor as a landlord. This is because if water isn’t appropriately directed away from your structure, it can infiltrate the base, trigger basement flooding, erode landscaping, and weaken structural elements over time.
These and additional problems can lead to severe and expensive repairs, or even structural failure. Therefore, preventing water damage during summer storms isn’t merely about conserving funds: it’s about protecting your investment presently and for future years.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
The primary barrier against water damage and flooding is your rental property’s gutters and downspouts. Collectively, gutters and downspouts form a mechanism for guiding rainwater securely away from your structure. When this mechanism ceases functioning effectively, complications emerge.
Clogged gutters can overflow, leading water to flow down walls and accumulate around the foundation. If your rental home has a basement, pooling water can leak inside, causing flooding and potentially damaging the foundation.
To avert these problems, schedule regular gutter cleaning for your rental property. The optimal times to clean your gutters are early in the spring and again before peak storm season.
Additionally, remember the downspouts! Ensure they are clear of debris and positioned to direct water at least several feet away from the home’s foundation. Downspout extensions are a simple and affordable method to enhance downspout functionality, assisting you to direct water away from problem areas.
Improve Grading and Yard Drainage
Even if your gutters are in top shape, poor grading in the property’s yard can still permit water to collect near the foundation. It’s essential not to presume that you lack issues with pooling water. Instead, allocate time to walk around your property routinely, particularly after heavy precipitation. Does water pool in certain spots? Is the yard sloping toward the house instead of away?
If you observe signs of water pooling or other issues, you may need to regrade the yard or install a simple drainage solution, such as a French drain. While these options may require some work, they are vital in preventing water damage to your foundation during summer storms. The cost of these adjustments is minor compared to the damage water can do to your structure over time!
Clear Debris and Maintain Landscaping
Regarding drainage issues, trees and shrubs can be both aesthetically pleasing and problematic if not properly maintained and kept trimmed back. This is because leaves, twigs, and branches can drop, and clog gutters and drains more quickly than anticipated.
Just one summer storm can generate enough debris to clog gutters, preventing them from functioning properly. But you can help avoid this issue by keeping trees and shrubs trimmed back from the sides of the house. Investing in proactive and regular landscape cleanup can also contribute significantly to keeping water flowing freely and protecting your rental property’s drainage system.
Partner with Tenants for Prevention
While property owners bear the ultimate responsibility for protecting their property from the dangers of poor drainage, their residents can also play a key role in preventing drainage and gutter problems. For example, you can encourage them to notify you immediately if they detect water pooling, overflowing gutters, or signs of damage.
They can also assist to keep the yard clear of debris. When landlords and residents collaborate, minor problems can be identified and addressed early, saving everyone time, money, and stress.
Be Prepared, Stay Dry
By preparing in advance, storm season could be much less stressful for landlords. In fact, by staying on top of rental property drainage, gutter cleaning, and smart storm prep, you can prevent costly damage and keep your property in great shape, providing a sense of relief and reassurance.
If you want to learn more ways to protect your investment in McKinney year-round, the local experts at Real Property Management One Source are here to assist you. Contact us today or call 214-721-0727. We are ready to help you weather any storm.
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