Water Damage
Mold in the Building
BY: GRANT PRITCHARD, CLIENT EXECUTIVE, VICE PRESIDENT, CMW
A
s a property owner, one of your top priorities should be the
detection and prevention of water damage and mold in the
buildings you own or manage. Not only does water damage harm
the structural integrity, but mold can be harmful to the health of
the occupants. Particularly the toxic black mold which so often
makes its rounds in local news stories. The goals you should
have are not only to be able to detect potential water damage
and mold growth in your properties, but also to prevent them
from ever taking place to begin with.
perform your own inspections from time to time and not always to rely
on tenants to alert you of potential issues.
From an insurance perspective, water damage claims most
often occur due to burst pipes, overflow from bathtubs or sinks,
or malfunctioning appliances (indoor and outdoor). Regularly
inspecting these areas is an important aspect of preventing
issues with water damage. Ultimately, you want to mitigate the
risk of damage before it becomes a big enough problem to require
filing a claim. That is the best course of action, in every case, for
both property managers and owners.
If you would like an overview of your potential water damage exposure
or simply want more information, please contact Grant Pritchard at
604 484 2908 or [email protected].
Here is a brief list of some places to start:
• Plumbing – Inspect all water lines and valves once or
twice a year for all fixtures, including sinks, tubs, toilets,
etc. If you find any issues, turn your water off in order to
make repairs. Check around the toilet for leaks at the base.
Know exactly where your water-shut off valve is located in
case you need to use it. During any cold weather snaps,
allows faucets to drip a bit so the pipes do not freeze and
break.
• Appliances – Replace washing machine hoses every few
years (at least every five). Utilize stainless steel mesh hoses
if possible. Balancing of the machine is also important, as
an unbalanced unit can move the hoses. Check to ensure
the discharge hose of the washing machine is in place.
Always follow manufacturer specified maintenance for
your appliances, including your hot water tank.
• Roof and Gutters – Keep gutters clear and well maintained.
Make sure gutter downspouts direct rainwater away from
the foundation (and use extensions to carry the water at
least 6 feet away). Add a drip cap or drip edge to your roof
if you do not have one, it will assist with runoff. Have the
roof inspected every three years by a professional and
routinely check it for damage yourself.
In addition, consider checking the ventilation in your attic and
seal any gaps allowing warm air in. If you have a sump pump, test
it several times a year. Remove excess moisture in kitchens and
baths via exhaust fans (or install them if possible if you do not
have them). Check and repair any tile and grout around showers
and baths. Finally: ensure your windows and doors are properly
weather sealed. When managing properties you own, it is best to
Should water leaks or damage occur, cleaning up the affected areas is
of the utmost importance. Mold can begin to grow almost immediately
upon an area getting wet but they usually do not become an issue until
24 hours or more afterward. It is best to let professionals examine the
area after the cleanup is finished to find out if remediation will be
necessary.
Grant Pritchard is a Client Executive, Vice President at CMW. With
over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Grant specializes
in custom insurance and risk solutions for residential and commercial
stratas. He is an associate member of the Professional Association of
Managing Agents and an active participant with the British Columbia
Apartment Owners & Managers Association.