Rainstorms can bring significant challenges for property owners, especially when it comes to rentals. According to Popular Science, they have also become quite frequent and more intense in the US. Reports suggest that when it rains now in the US, the precipitation falls with more pressure, as against earlier days. Therefore, heavy deluges have become very common nowadays.
Ensuring your property is ready for heavy rain protects your investment and keeps your tenants safe and comfortable. This guide lists some tips to help prepare your rental property for these rainstorms.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Start with the roof, as it’s your property’s first line of defense against rain. Check for any damaged or missing shingles. Even small cracks or holes can lead to leaks that may cause extensive damage inside. If you spot any issues, hire a professional to repair them promptly.
Gutters and downspouts are equally important as they direct water away from the property. This lessens the chance that water may seep into the foundation and harm the structure. Make sure there are no leaves, twigs, or other debris in the gutters. To keep them clean for longer, think about adding gutter guards. Downspouts should be directed away from the building and should be in good condition.
Consider the example of a recent storm in South Carolina (SC) in January 2024. According to Fox Weather, thunderstorms were reported to be accompanied by heavy rains and large-sized hail. Rock Hill, SC, reported widespread damage due to the extreme weather. Similarly, properties in other cities like Greenville also faced a lot of damage.
In such scenarios, gutters can become very important for keeping your property’s foundation intact. For example, when hail accompanies rains and storms, they may fall on your rental home’s roof. When they melt, the resulting water may come down, and if gutters are not installed, they may log around the property’s foundation.
Therefore, gutter installation is one of the basic things you need to do to prepare your house for rainstorms. This is especially true in places like the cities of South Carolina, where there are more instances of such weather.
Suppose you live in Greenville in this state. In that case, you can connect with Greenville gutter installers or contractors to help you with installation. If you already have a gutter installed, these professionals can also help you inspect it. This will ensure that the gutter is clean and not clogged with anything to let the water pass by easily.
According to SureFlow Gutters, good maintenance can make gutters last for around 20 to 30 years. The weather conditions and materials used for manufacturing can also influence their overall life. Using gutter guards can help improve their durability by keeping them clean for a longer time and minimizing the need for regular maintenance.
Seal Windows and Doors
If they are not properly sealed, windows and doors might serve as water entrance sites. Check for gaps or cracks in the weatherstripping and caulking around all windows and doors. Reapply caulk where needed and replace any damaged weatherstripping. By doing this, water intrusion will be avoided, and energy efficiency will increase.
How Do You Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors?
Apply low-expansion foam, weatherstripping, or caulk to leaks around windows and doors. The size of the gap and the region you wish to close will determine this. In addition to providing rain protection, this can save your energy expenses for heating and cooling by blocking unneeded airflow.
Communicate with Tenants
Since you have given your property on rent to someone else, it is the tenants who will be inside it during the rainstorm. Therefore, you must communicate with them about the upcoming weather and help them prepare for it. You can provide them with tips on how to protect their belongings and what to do in case of a leak.
Verify that they are aware of your emergency contact information. By giving them this information, you may reduce the chance of property damage and aid in protecting their safety. For instance, you can work with them on sealing doors and window frames. Additionally, you can inform them about equipment like sump pumps if they are available at your property. Sump pumps can be quite useful if there are leaks and water enters your house.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
During a storm, overhanging branches and thick bushes can cause harm. You should seek professional help to trim any nearby trees or bushes. This lessens the possibility of branches coming off and harming the siding, windows, or roof. It also helps prevent leaves from clogging gutters and downspouts.
Why Is It Important to Trim Trees and Bushes Around Homes During Typhoon Preparedness?
Tree trimming is important to lower the likelihood of property damage during high winds and severe storms. A healthy tree can withstand a storm’s force, protecting houses and other assets.
Insurance Review
Make sure your insurance covers storm-related damage by reviewing your coverage. Make sure your coverage is current and know what is and isn’t covered. Consider discussing with your insurance agent if you need additional coverage for flood damage, especially if your property is in a flood-prone area.
Do You Need Home Insurance in America?
Home insurance is not mandatory in the United States. In fact, 2023 data shows that around 12% of homeowners don’t have house insurance. There are still a lot of reasons, though, to buy one.
For instance, your lender will mandate that you maintain insurance until the debt is repaid if you have a mortgage on it. In reality, it is lawful for lenders to require borrowers to maintain insurance that pays the whole amount of the mortgage.
Preparing your rental property for a rainstorm involves a combination of preventative measures, tenant communication, and proactive planning. You can safeguard your investment and guarantee the comfort and safety of your renters by implementing these precautions. You can withstand any storm with the assistance of a well-thought-out strategy and routine maintenance.
