Living in a strata community comes with many benefits. However, you also have to be aware of all the responsibilities that come with this type of housing. Something you will have to accept is the fact that strata living comes with sharing and compromise. You will have to work with other residents in order to obey the by-laws, limit noise, and encourage harmony. As you have to respect shared spaces and take proper care of them, not acting on signs of water damage on time can be a big problem. Here is how to notice potential issues and prevent a bigger one that can affect every single strata resident.
Inspect common areas for signs of mould
The best strategy for preventing water damage is to notice issues on time. That is why you and your fellow residents want to inspect the common areas for signs that indicate a problem. Check the exterior walls, hallways, and even the ground to see if there is anything like mould and watermarks. These things can mean that there is a leaking or burst pipe.
Look for water damage on your walls and ceilings
Besides paying attention to the shared areas, you should also look for damage on your own lot. No matter if you own an apartment, storeroom, or garage, you want to regularly check the walls for water stains and mold. This can mean that there is a damaged or broken pipe somewhere in the walls, ceiling, or floor. If you notice something, it’s vital to react as soon as possible and get an expert to fix the issue before it turns into an even bigger problem.
Pay attention to dripping taps or pipes
Perhaps there are no visible signs of damage yet. This is a good thing and will allow you to prevent further problems. In order to do so, you should act quickly if you notice that a tap anywhere on your lot is dripping. Moreover, if you notice that an exposed pipe on your lot or in a common area is leaking, report the issue. Turning to agencies like Eling Strata Management that offer quick and reliable services is always recommended as their experts should fix the leak in no time.
Clean the drains and gutters regularly
If your area experiences storms regularly, you also want to make sure the drains and gutters are regularly cleaned. In case all sorts of debris pile up, the gutters can overflow and water can affect the walls and foundation. Ensuring that the water can flow freely will protect your strata from potential issues down the line.
Install water stop flow and pressure limiting valves
There are a few more preventive measures you can take to avoid water damage. For one, you can install a water stop valve that will ensure the water is shut off when the water pressure reaches a preset value. What is more, look into pressure limiting valves that are used to reduce the water pipe and joint pressure and prolong their life.
Review the insurance policy
Just like you can get homeowner’s insurance, you can also have an insurance policy when living in a strata property. This policy should be reviewed on a regular basis in order to make sure it is still current. That way, you will ensure your building is covered for all sorts of water damage. If you see that it doesn’t provide adequate insurance, you should shop around for a better alternative.
Strata buildings come with many responsibilities as there is plenty of shared space. To prevent big issues that can affect every single resident, you want to pay attention to signs of water damage and act on time.
