Today we’re talking about the top causes of water damage in commercial buildings.
And it’s true. Commercial water damage can be disastrous and it can cause no end of stress for business owners and managers who just want to get back on track as fast as possible.
Whether you suspect there’s water damage in your building or you want to be prepared before if it ever happens, read on.
Here are some of the top causes of water damage, how to spot them, and what to do next.
What is Commercial Water Damage Restoration?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand what commercial water damage restoration is all about.
From there you’ll know what you can expect when the time has come to combat water damage that has happened at your place of work.
Commercial water damage restoration is essentially a water damage service offered by water damage and restoration companies for commercial buildings, like: medical centers, hotels, retail stores, warehouses, farm land to name a few examples.
After water has leaked into floors, walls, ceilings, and furnishings, a commercial water damage restoration expert comes in and puts plans in place to rectify the problem.
They use commercial heaters and dryers to dry out wet areas and minimize damage.
By putting these control measures in place, they can then reduce the risk of having to carry out large-scale repairs that can be both stressful and costly.
Commercial water damage restoration also involves content recovery. They can assist with the removal of anything salvageable that can be repaired or restored off-site.
Some experts may even be able to help with document recovery, including data from electronic devices.
Talk to your local commercial water damage restoration experts and see what services they offer to help you get back on track if you ever need to or contact 911 Water Damage Experts if you’re nearby.
What Buildings Are Affected by Water Damage?
You may think that only commercial businesses in flood zones, near bodies of water, and in high storm risk areas will be affected by water damage, but that’s not actually the case.
Suppose your business has damaged pipes, broken appliances, roof damage, a leaking sprinkler system, or even a damaged HVAC system.
In that case, it too, could be at risk of being affected by water damage.
It’s important not to have an “it’ll never happen to me” mentality and always be on the lookout for signs that your business is affected by water damage.
Offices, warehouses, retail stores, and even small cafes are all at risk without appropriate care and processes in place.
What Are The Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage?
You may be surprised to learn that there are more commercial water damage causes than just heavy rainfall.
Sure, rain can cause all kinds of problems, but so too can the very things included in your business to help it run smoothly.
Damaged and Broken Pipes
Pipes are something that all commercial premises have.
If you have toilets, kitchens, and running water, then you’ve got pipes. Even if you don’t have these things, then pipes may still exist within your commercial building structure from previous owners or tenants.
So, if they are there, they can be damaged or broken.
Several things can cause pipes to become damaged or broken.
For example, freezing temperatures can cause pipes to expand then contract, leading to cracks and eventually leaking of a potentially catastrophic nature.
A change in pressure and old piping networks can also be to blame for leaks.
You can typically spot a pipe-related leak by water stains on ceilings, floors, and walls. You may also notice loose or cracked tiles and a slight musty smell.
The sooner you can seek help for leaking pipes, the higher the chance you can fix the problem before it gets too significant.
Damaged Roofing Materials
If you’ve noticed signs of leaking in your ceiling, a damaged roof, or mould damage, then your commercial water damage may be caused by damaged roofing materials.
Heavy wind, rain, and snow can all be to blame, but so can a myriad of other things.
Failure to maintain your roof, missing shingles, and even damage from neighbouring trees can all be reasons why your roof is leaking and causing damage.
This is when you should call in water damage restoration experts near you to take control of the issue.
Window Damage
You might think that your roofing is the only way for water to leak into your commercial building, but it’s not.
If your windows are damaged or do not have proper seals, they can cause leakage.
Water can seep in through the sills and lead to damaged wood, warping, and mould. Over time, caulk materials can wear out.
Regular maintenance and checks of your building can tell you when it’s time to reapply caulk and prevent window damage and water leakage.
Natural Disasters
One of the most common causes of commercial water damage is natural disasters.
From flash flooding to thunderstorms and hurricanes, a lot can happen in a short space of time.
Before such events happen, make sure your building has a high-quality drainage system and clean gutters.
A disaster plan with contact information for commercial water damage experts can also prove useful.
Leaking Sprinklers
Your sprinkler system can prevent one disaster, but it can also be the cause of another.
If you notice wet walls, a strong smell of mould or must, and wet carpet, then leaking sprinklers might be to blame.
A way to avoid such an issue is by making sure your sprinkler systems are checked often for faults. After all, you want them to work as intended if required for a fire in your commercial property.
Broken HVAC System
Heating and cooling units tick away in the background and provide you with a comfortable working environment.
In saying that, they can also cause significant water damage if they are poorly maintained or break.
The ducts in HVAC systems can wear out and cause water leakage. As soon as you notice signs of water damage, call a water damage restoration expert.
In saying that, you can prevent water damage in the first place by having an HVAC expert come in and maintain your systems regularly.
If you have any questions or comments about our top 6 causes of water damage in commercial buildings, feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT or chat with us in real time on our Facebook fan page.
