When Water Damage Occurs In Apartments And Rental Units

Water damage in apartment complexes, condos are offices can result in costly repairs. Lack of tenant knowledge and neglect can cause water damage to be an incredibly expensive overhaul. If your complex has multiple levels, not only will water damage affect the unit of which the damage occurred, but may result in extensive damage to the units below. Water damage can result in a number of ways and due to extra plumbing and appliances in offices or complexes, the likelihood of water damage occurring can increase.

While the lease can outline the landlord and tenant responsibilities, most tenants may default to the understanding that all maintenance is the responsibility of the landlord. That is not the case, while the units need to be livable or maintained for workplace activity and have regular plumping and appliance checks, the tenant has a responsibility to report any plumbing and appliance failures or damage to the landlord as soon as possible. It’s important to educate your tenants on proper appliance usage and maintenance, and report any malfunctioning appliances immediately.

Regular maintenance and inspection of HVAC units, water heaters, and plumbing lines can help landlords stay proactive and be aware of vulnerable areas where water damage may be likely to occur. A thorough inspection of units between unit turnover can help landlords assess the condition of the plumbing and appliances. Washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers all contain water lines. These appliances If damaged, old or improperly maintained can cause leakage. Additionally, over time, gaskets and fixtures can break down and wear out which can lead to leaks and subsequent water damage.

With housing and buildings becoming more energy efficient the more difficult it can be to air out rooms. Bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens are areas where moisture can get trapped. Without proper ventilation, water particles can penetrate through drywall, cabinetry, and flooring, which over time can cause bacteria buildup causing mold to grow and potentially spread. Mold spores can penetrate porous surfaces, but can also spread throughout the unit which can result in subsequent damage throughout other areas of the property.

Even the smallest bit of water can do serious damage if a reoccurring issue is neglected or not properly fixed. Excess water should never be removed from carpeting with a regular household vacuum cleaner. These cleaning appliances are not meant to be submerged in water and also do not have the capacity or ability to suction water correctly. Using a household vacuum cleaner in an attempt to clean up waterlogged carpets can cause the appliance to burn out and potential injury or electrocution. Standing water can have the same effect of a torrential rainstorm. Just a few inches of standing water can cause drywall and other porous surfaces to become waterlogged which can cause them to rot and become structurally insecure.

A professional remediation agency, like Champion Cleaning Systems, will have the proper tools and equipment to remove excess water, such as hoses and dehumidifiers. Commercial cleaners may be required to penetrate porous surfaces to fully eradicate bacteria that can lead to mold and mildew growth. Professional technicians will be able to work quickly to remove damaged materials, limit additional damage from occurring and restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

How to Keep Your Basement Safe from Water Damage

Akron, Ohio basements are notorious for flooding and getting a moldy, mildewy smell. However, this doesn’t have to be something you just accept and live with. By following a few tips, you can keep your basement fresh and clean. If you currently have mildew or flooding, call a water damage cleanup expert and then follow these tips.

Reduce Standing Water Outside

The water outside your home can affect the condition of the inside of your home. If you have standing water outside your home in your yard, then it can seep into the foundation. You can reduce the amount of standing water in your yard by making sure your gutters are always clean. The location of your home, how many trees you have surrounding your home, and how much debris they give off, will determine how often you will need to clean out your gutters. You can buy gutter covers that will keep a good amount of debris out, but you will still need to check on them occasionally. Another thing that can help keep standing water to a minimum is to extend your gutters at the base of your house. This will draw the water away from your home to absorb further away from your foundation.

Grade Your Yard

If your yard slopes down towards your home, your basement can be at risk for flooding. If your yard seems fairly level and you want to be sure, you can always find out by bringing out a level and measuring various spots. If there are a few hills here and there, that shouldn’t affect the water inclining toward your basement much, but a steady downward grade towards your home, even if it is a slight one, can be an issue. You can resolve this by hiring out or grading the yard yourself or installing a drainage system. 

Seal Your Basement

If your basement is unfinished, you can buy some sealant and apply it to the foundation of your house. You will need to remove any debris or paint from the surface of your concrete so that it will stick correctly to the walls and floor. If you have a leak in your foundation that you are aware of already, you can apply the sealant to that area, but if you have moisture coming in from an unknown source, you may just want to apply sealant to the entire surface of the walls and floors, paying special attention to the edges and corners. If the moisture has penetrated through the foundation, flooring, or drywall, you will need to contact a water damage cleanup professional to make sure it is all cleaned up. Basement floods are common in Akron and a professional can help you restore any water damage that could have happened to your property.

Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier may not do much to prevent flooding, but it can prevent mold and mildew growth and keep the air in your basement from getting musty. You can invest in an electric dehumidifier that will collect the moisture in the air so that you can regularly empty it. Or you can fill some containers with cat litter, charcoal, or baking soda and that will keep the air from smelling musty, though it won’t be as effective as a dehumidifier. If a mildew smell remains after taking these steps, then you may want to call a professional water damage cleanup expert to look for mildew.