San Diego Rentals & Floods: Don’t Be Caught Off Guard

Inspect Vulnerable Areas To Prevent Water Intrusion

 

Check Roofing and Attics for Leaks

Checking the roof regularly is critical to prevent water damage in a property. The roof is the first line of defense against exterior water intrusion. Even small leaks that go undetected can lead to huge problems down the line – rotting rafters, mold growth, damaged interiors. 

Continued water leaking can undermine roof integrity and lead to failure. Inspecting the roof, especially before rainy season, allows you to proactively address any compromised areas, deteriorated flashing, or damage from weathering. Preventative maintenance is much less costly than undoing major repairs after heavy leakage. A damaged roof left unaddressed can even become a safety hazard. Taking the time to thoroughly inspect the roof and make repairs prevents serious issues for tenants and costly repairs for property managers later on.

• Physically inspect roof during dry weather, look for cracked/missing shingles, deterioration around vents, skylights, penetrations.
• Examine all flashing areas – chimneys, roof joints, wall/roof connection points. Signs of rust, lifting, gaps can indicate leaks.
• In the attic, check for water stains, damp insulation, peeling paint around rafters. Use moisture meter to detect damp wood.
• In heavy rain, go up in attic and look for actual drips, listen for water sounds. Use flashlight to scan for leaks.
• Check interior ceilings for stains/peeling paint as well – can indicate issues.
• Consider professional roof inspection if in doubt – they can check under shingles, use IR cameras to identify moisture.

Inspect Landscaping and Drainage

Property drainage is crucial. Inspecting landscaping and drainage is important to ensure water flows away from the building. Clogged drains or grading issues can lead to flooding.

• Clear debris from drainage ditches, storm drains to allow water flow. Remove sediment buildup.
• Trim back overgrown plants/trees/shrubs near drainage areas that can impede water.
• Check downspouts are extended at least 5-6 feet from foundation. Make sure splash blocks are in place.
• Inspect overall grading to confirm slope away from structure. Use level tools to check for low spots.
• Consider contracting landscaping company to improve drainage if needed.

Good drainage prevents thousands of gallons of water from accumulating.

Test Sump Pumps

Test all sump pumps to ensure proper functioning. Testing sump pumps regularly ensures they’ll operate when needed most. Malfunctioning sump pumps can lead to water filling up basements.

• Check sump pit is clean, remove any debris/sediment which can clog pump.
• Fill sump pit with water using a hose, allow pump to run through cycles to test functioning.
• Confirm pump is plugged into a GFCI outlet and backup pump/battery systems work.
• Make sure float switch moves freely to activate pump and stop when lowered.
• Check discharge line is clear of obstructions. Examine outlet piping for blockages.
• Listen for unusual noises indicating issues – have repaired.

Furthermore, having a battery backup is recommended in case of power failure.

Stock Up On Flood Prevention Supplies

Keep flood prevention supplies readily available. Stocking up on supplies prepares you to quickly deploy flood prevention measures when heavy rainfall starts.

• Keep stock of sandbags, plastic sheeting, towels and other absorbing items readily available.
• Check supplies well before rainy season and restock anything needed.
• Stage supplies in areas prone to flooding for rapid deployment.
• Have bagged sand and shovels onsite to quickly fill additional sandbags as needed.

Create a Flood Emergency Response Plan

Draft an emergency action plan indicating steps to take if flooding occurs. Include emergency contacts who can respond immediately to handle issues before significant damage sets in. Creating an emergency flood plan ensures you can take swift action if water threatens the property.

• Outline steps to take, contractors to call, communications procedures if flooding occurs.
• Note utility shutoffs, evacuation protocols, important phone numbers.
• Identify staff responsibilities, priority actions during flood event.
• Update plan annually – verify contacts, procedures are current.

Advanced planning enables a rapid, effective response.

Communicate With Tenants

It is important to keep tenants informed on the status of the property should any sort of leak, flooding, or maintenance check for leak or flooding need to occur.

• Email tenants ahead of time with tips to prevent clogged drains and what to do if water enters their unit.
• Ask them to report leaks/water intrusion ASAP so you can respond quickly.

Preventative maintenance is far less costly than undoing major flood damage later.

 

Document Property Condition

It is important to document the current condition of the property periodically throughout the year.

• Thoroughly document the property’s current condition with photos/video before flooding.
• Establish a record to clearly show which damages were pre-existing versus new.
• Helps attribute repair costs accurately later.

Adequate documentation can also be of pertinent use in insurance claims. 

Work With Qualified Water Damage Restoration Contractors

When repairs are needed, hire experienced, licensed contractors near like Octo Property Services, who can assist in water damage restoration and flood cleanup. Trying to cut costs with inexperienced contractors often leads to improper repairs and further expenses down the road.

Explore Flood Insurance Options

Look into flood insurance as an extra layer of protection. Just a few inches of water can mean thousands in repairs. Basic property insurance doesn’t cover flooding, but you can add separate flood coverage for costs beyond just structure repairs. 

• Understand and familiarize yourself with what flood insurance covers.
• Learn the difference between primary and excess flood insurance. Primary coverage is the first layer of flood protection, while excess coverage kicks in to cover additional limits above the primary layer, which is ideal for large or high-valued properties in high-risk flood areas.
• You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Most federal flood insurance is sold and serviced directly by Write Your Own (WYO) companies.
• Consider reaching out to an insurance expert to understand your options and the best approach to securing the right flood insurance for your needs

Act Quickly If Flooding Occurs

When flooding occurs, it is critical to act quickly to minimize water damage. 

• Monitor weather forecasts and alters on radio, TV, or your phone. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. 
• If under a flood warning, find safe shelter right away and move to higher ground or a higher floor. Follow public safety instructions.
• If flooding happens, extract standing water ASAP to prevent further penetration into walls, floorboards, etc. You may need professional water extraction services with truck-mounted vacuum units and drying equipment. 

By following these steps, you can take quick and effective measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and protect your San Diego property.

Conclusion…

Advance preparation and quick response times help mitigate issues from heavy rainfall and flooding in San Diego this rainy season. Protect your investment and tenants by following these best practices.

If you need assistance inspecting or repairing flood damage in the San Diego area, contact Octo Property Services for a free estimate! Our water damage restoration technicians serve property managers throughout San Diego.