Whether a vacation property is a million dollar beach home, condo in the
city, ski chalet, mountain retreat or simple fishing cabin, many of these
properties are vacant for extended periods of time. While these properties
provide much needed relaxation and a chance to get away for their owners, they
can also turn into a costly nightmare if water damage occurs while people are
away.
When a vacation home is unoccupied, even for a short period of time, a
small water leak can turn into a major event.
In fact, water damage is one of the most common reasons for a property
insurance claim. In addition to direct
damage due to water, mold can begin to grow in less than 48 hours on many
building materials, furnishing and household belongs when moisture is introduced. Once mold is a factor, remediation costs
typically increase dramatically and many insurance policies either do not cover
mold or provide only minimal coverage.
“Even if there is not a water incursion, high humidity levels from the
environment in a vacant house or condo can lead to mold growth and musty odors,”
said Tom Allen from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters,
LLC. “Reducing humidity levels through the use of air
conditioning during the humid months is one option, but be sure its drain lines
are not obstructed.”
Fortunately, many potential sources of water damage can be averted by
checking and preparing the vacation home before leaving it. Mr. Allen recommends the following steps:
1. Check the home’s interior and exterior for any signs of leaks and consider
turning the water heater off or to vacation mode.
2. Consider shutting off the water main to the home. If this cannot be done because of an
automatic sprinkler system or other reason, shut off the valves to major
appliances within the property.
3. If the property has a well, consider shutting the pump off.
4. Check gutters and downspouts for damage and clear any debris that may be
causing obstructions.
5. If the property has a sump pump, be sure it is in working order.
6. During freezing weather, be sure the heating system is operating properly
and that any exposed pipes are insulated.
It is also a good idea to drain pipes if the water has been shut off by
running water faucets and flushing toilets.
7. Ask a neighbor to periodically check on the property and be sure they know
where the water main shut off valve is located.
Vacation and
primary homeowners in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania
and New Jersey that do experience water damage or other forms of property
damage, can turn to the professionals at Hudson Douglas Public
Adjusters for help. Their experts resolve insurance claims comprehensively and
help to ensure that policy holders obtain the most
accurate insurance settlement possible. They also recently sponsored an educational video with
tips for preventing water damage and mold growth in unoccupied vacation
properties that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/YRqosW0SAFY
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