Experiencing water damage can be a devastating experience for both homeowners and business owners. However, experiencing water damage in commercial buildings comes with additional problems that are different than the problems you may encounter with residential water damage. When experiencing water damage, it is important to mitigate the situation accurately and quickly so there are limited health risks for employees and customers, and there is no lasting financial burden for the building or company. Here are some of the common causes of water damage in commercial buildings to be on the lookout for.
Damaged or Leaky Roof
The roof is the overall protector of a commercial building. When there is damage to the roof it can allow water to seep into the building through minor leaks causing water damage in commercial buildings. With consistent exposure to water, the leaks can grow and become worse causing the damage to increase rapidly. To prevent any major roof damage, it’s important to have professionals regularly conduct roof inspections of your building and to keep up with any recommended roof maintenance.
Burst Pipes or Damaged Plumbing
Water damage in commercial buildings is commonly associated with problems with the building’s plumbing. Some of the most common plumbing problems business owners experience are cracked and burst pipes due to the pipes being old and rusty. Other plumbing problems to keep an eye out for are leaks in sprinkler systems and leaky hoses on toilets in the building.
Window Damage
Another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings is damaged windows or window seals. When a window is damaged or their seal is cracked, it allows unwanted water and moisture to get into the building. Once the inside of the building is exposed to moisture it can quickly lead to damaged walls, ceilings, and even mold problems if not addressed quickly. To decrease the chances of water damage due to damaged windows, it is recommended to check all windows and seals as part of your regular building maintenance. If you see any potential threats of damage, you can reapply the caulking to the seals or contact a professional for additional help.
HVAC System Malfunctions
Over time, HVAC systems in commercial buildings can struggle with their performance and lead to malfunctions, especially without the proper recommended maintenance. When a heating and cooling system does not perform as it should, it can lead to leaks and cracks in the piping and drains. To decrease the chances of water damage brought on by a malfunctioning HVAC system, hire professionals to regularly provide HVAC duct cleaning services and repairs, as necessary.
Weather Emergencies
Water damage in commercial buildings can also be brought on by severe weather disasters and emergencies. Flooding, hurricanes, and rainstorms can cause significant water damage to your building and property. These are natural disasters and there is really no way of eliminating them completely. However, there are some steps you can take as precautions such as cleaning and maintaining your building’s gutters and making sure you have a successful drainage system in place on your property.
Need Help with Water Damage in Commercial Buildings?
Hiring water damage restoration professionals is the key to addressing water damage and getting your property and company put back together quickly and efficiently. The team assesses the water damage and creates a restoration plan that covers you and your commercial building from point A to point Z.
Professional Fire Restoration should be the first call you make after experiencing any kind of water damage in commercial buildings. We have over 35+ years of experience of turning crisis into calm. We’re here to help you along your path to starting new. Contact us today so we can help clean the water damage in your business and repair it to what it was or make it even better.
