ARIZONA RESIDENTS LEARN TO PREVENT PROPERTY DAMAGE WITH MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SPRING

The start of the spring season is an ideal time to inspect and check the condition of a home or commercial property. It is also an excellent time to perform some basic preventive maintenance tasks to help ensure a property is in good condition to provide a safe, healthy and comfortable place for the months ahead.

“Preventive maintenance performed now could also help prevent costly repairs, increase the building’s energy efficiency, and some of these tasks could help prevent indoor environmental issues associated with mold and moisture, indoor allergens, and other health and safety concerns,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “As licensed public adjusters, we see property damage of all types on a regular basis that could have been prevented if the building owner or property manager had seen the signs of a future problem before it became an expensive insurance claim.”

The insurance claims and building science professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters suggest the following actions to prepare a property for the spring season:

• Remove leaves and obstructions from gutters and downspouts and ensure water is draining away from the building. In cold parts of Arizona, also check for any damage from past ice dams.
• Check the siding for any damage or areas that moisture could enter.
• Check for any damage to the chimney, vents and roof, and be sure any skylights are properly sealed.
• Check windows and doors for drafts and be sure they are properly sealed. Inspect and replace any worn weather stripping.
• Consider having the clothes dryer vent professionally cleaned and inspect the washing machine water supply hoses. Also draining some types of water heaters can help remove sediment that may have built up.
• Check indoor and outdoor faucets for leaks.
• Trim trees that could cause damage to the property with broken limbs.
• Repair cracks in concrete, stucco or asphalt.
• Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors and change out the batteries.
• Change filters for the HVAC system and consider having the air conditioner checked by a qualified professional.  Also inspect the air ducts for the buildup of dust and debris.
• Clean outdoor air conditioning components and clear vegetation from around the units.

Property owners and managers who do experience insured damage to their home or business can turn to the professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. Their insurance experts negotiate and handle property damage claims for policyholders to make sure that no damage is overlooked and that policyholders receive the most accurate insurance settlement possible.  They have also sponsored an educational video with spring building maintenance tips that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/-mEiNk1bRZI