In Colorado we have a semi arid desert climate but during our monsoon season it’s not uncommon to have leaky roofs, flooded basements, and other water related issues. The water itself is a big problem but the potential for mold due to the water is an even bigger problem. In order to avoid these issues it’s imperative you take the steps in this blog to protect your rental property from water damage and mold.
At least once per year you should have a roofer come out and inspect your roof. Many companies will provide this service for free and you should take advantage of it! They will not only check out your shingles but also the soffit, gutters, flashing, etc. All of these areas are possible points of entry if they are not totally sealed off. Many times a roof leak will cause damage to ceilings and it’s possible to drip into ceiling fixtures and create a fire hazard.
Window wells are another problem area that can allow water to enter basements or lower levels. Make sure none of your downspouts empty near or around your window wells. Place a couple inches of river rock in the bottom so the water can drain without eroding the dirt at your foundation. Verify your gutters are draining properly to the downspouts and rain water is not flowing over the tops of the gutters.
Last but not least you need to make sure the drainage around your foundation is such that the water runs away and into the street as opposed to pooling up or draining into your foundation. You will want to make sure your neighbors drainage does not come towards your property also. In Colorado Springs it’s against the law to have your drainage affect another property and water must be diverted towards the street.
I hope this information has been helpful to you and will help avoid issues with water damage or mold. You will want to check with your insurance company and see if your policy covers this type of damage in case it does happen or if they offer a rider policy that will cover you.