If you own Portland Oregon Rental Properties, one of the biggest things that you have to be prepared for is water damage because the PDX area can get heavy rainfall and snow during the winter and spring which can easily cause water damage in a rental property fast.
In this article, we will share with you several tips you can use to prepare for water damage before it occurs and steps you should follow for dealing with water damage in your Portland rental property.
Tips for Preparing for Flooding
Since time is of the essence when it comes to flooding it’s best to put a plan in place now that you can follow should your rental property get flooded.
Your plan should include a list of contractors or a trusted flood restoration company that can come out to inspect the flood damage once the waters recede and provide you with a plan of action for removing flood-damaged walls or other parts of your property.
Tips for Dealing with Flooding
Since water damage doesn’t show up until after floodwaters have receded, you have to act quickly and start preparing for dealing with flood damage once you find out that your rental property has been flooded.
Step 1 – Schedule a walk through as soon as floodwaters drop – This is necessary for you to survey the damage and find out if your tenants have wet property that needs to be removed.
Step 2 – Hire a contractor to access the property – Once floodwaters recede, your rental property may have drywall or insulation that needs to be removed. A contractor or flood restoration company will help to properly diagnose the flood damage and provide you with a comprehensive plan for repairing and replacing the parts of your property that have been damaged.
Step 3 – Start drying out the home ASAP – Since moisture is a breeding group for mold it’s best to start drying out the flood-damaged rental property. Bring in industrial fans to circulate the air in the flood-damaged parts of your rental or a humidifier to pull the moisture out of the air
Remember that as a landlord it’s your responsibility to repair flood damage as soon as possible so that you can keep your property in a habitable condition. It’s also important to have landlord insurance and encourage your tenant to have renter’s insurance as well.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Out After A Flood?
There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with the aftermath of a home or building that has flooded. Once the problem has been identified and the water and debris have been removed, drying out the area is the next step.
Properly drying out a flooded building is crucial, as materials that are still damp can be breeding grounds for mold and other fungi. To be sure your home or building is properly dry, make sure a professional is involved.
Air Drying: Air drying may be used in certain floods where a small area is affected, and the water did not soak into material for long. Air drying is not a viable option in locations with high humidity. This method usually takes the longest to fully dry.
Forced Air/Fans: Buildings may use built-in forced air systems that were not affected in the flood, or fans may be brought in to circulate the air.
Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are the fastest and most effective way to dry out an area. By removing moisture from the air and surrounding materials, this is the best way to ensure safe and effective drying.
Flooding is inconvenient, but it does not have to be an ongoing problem. Completely drying out a flood can take anywhere from twelve hours to a few weeks, depending on the size of the flood and the method of drying used.
Contact Rent Portland Homes
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Our property management services will save you time, money and the hassle of managing your rentals yourself!
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