Property Ownership Maintenance Checklist

Owning property comes with huge responsibilities. There are many things to keep track of when it comes to property management and maintenance. Here are some key areas of preventative maintenance to ensure that water damage does not occur on your property. Keeping this simple checklist will prevent you from having a serious water disaster on your hands, saving you lots of time and money.

Roof Maintenance

The roof is one of the most important features on your property. Unfortunately, it can also get neglected resulting in higher costs due to leaks and water damage. By ensuring that the roof is in good condition and well-maintained, you?ll protect the structural integrity of the property and increase it’s value.

How often should a roof be inspected?

Twice a year and after a weather disaster.

When should I get the roof replaced?

Depending on the roof material, every 20 to 50 years. Getting the roof replaced every 30 years is a good rule-of-thumb.

What is the best roofing material?

It depends. You need to consider your budget, and the look, feel, and style of your property. In addition, consider if the material meets the fire code regulations in your area as well as offering good performance with extreme weather conditions in your area. Other things to consider are the life span of the material and the warranty. The most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tiles, metal roofing, slate, wood shingles and shake, and synthetic roofing.

What are important things to inspect on a roof?

Three of the most important things to inspect are the shingles, the flashing and the gutters. Over time, the shingles can get cracks, get loose, start to buckle and curl, and there can be sections on the roof where shingles are missing. Also, the most vulnerable parts on the roof can be areas where there is flashing. Flashing is the metal fixtures around chimneys, skylights, or vents. Check to see if they are rusted, dented, or damaged. Always check the gutters to make sure they are clean and free from debris. Make sure the gutters are securely fastened and not bent or separated at the seams around the entire roof-line.

Water Heater Maintenance

No doubt, the water heater is an important part of the property and you?ll want to keep it in good condition. Failing to do so, can cost you lots of money for repairs and result in water damage.

How often should a water heater be replaced?

The typical life span for a water heater is 10 years, but some do last longer.

How do I find out how old the water heater is?

Look for the serial number on manufacturer’s sticker on the upper portion of the water heater. The number will have a date code. It’s starts with an alphabetical letter. Count where that letter is in the alphabet. If it’s B, for example, it represents the month of February. You can find the year by looking at the next two digits after the letter. If in doubt, call the manufacturer.

What are the signs that a water heater is going out?

Some clear signs a water heater is going out is seeing rusty water, hearing grumbling and noise from the heater, and seeing water around the appliance. In either case, get it inspected immediately.

How can I save on water heating costs?

Simply adding insulation will reduce your water heating costs, as much as 9 percent. It?ll also reduce your heat loss up to 45 percent.

How can I improve my water heater’s efficiency?

Flushing sediment from the tank improves efficiency and longevity. This should be done annually.

Water Supply Pipe Maintenance

Most of us don’t think about checking or replacing exterior water supply pipes. We can easily take it for granted because they can last a long while. However, if not properly maintained and checked, they can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

How often should water supply pipes be replaced?

Every seven years you should inspect your water supply pipes to be replaced.

What are signs that water supply pipes need to be replaced?

If you see corrosion, cracks, or splits in a pipe, it is time to get it replaced. A pipe leak may be a sign that a pipe joint is worn out. If a pipe is not used for extensive amounts of time, there can be contamination build up and the pipe will need to be flushed out.

How do you prevent pipes from freezing?

Pipe insulation can prevent frozen pipes. Pay careful attention to any exposed pipes in attics and such. Heating tape is also available for pipes. Read more prevention tips: Winterizing.

Property Drainage Maintenance

Not having proper water drainage on your property can be a huge hassle, cause extensive property damage, and get you into legal trouble. The properties structural integrity and foundation can be in serious trouble if standing water is allowed to build up. Standing water can saturate deep into the? soil, seeping into basement cracks, leading to water damage and mold growth.

What are the common causes of drainage problems?

The five common cause of drainage problems are over irrigation and leakage, run-on from adjacent properties, groundwater seepage, inadequate on-site drainage system, and needed maintenance of on-site drainage system.

How should water drain off the roof?

It is not recommended to have the water drain directly on to concrete; it can permanently damage it. Install guttering and downspouts and add downspout extensions that carry runoff at least 5 feet away from the foundation, onto ground slopes moving water away from the structure.

Will the City fix drainage problems that are on my property?

How do I find a good landscape contractor?

Make sure to get more than one estimate and carefully evaluate each submitted proposal. A good resource for hiring a good contractor is the California Landscape Contractors Association.

24 Hour Emergency Response ? (661) 396-7908

Alert Disaster Restoration is always prepared to respond to your water damage emergency and to quickly restore your home or business to its pre water loss condition. Alert’s team is trained and certified to handle everything from flooding to sewage cleanup. Our emergency services team understands the importance of acting fast to water damage and flood to eliminate any future mold growth.