This form of damage significantly affects businesses and causes more problems when not addressed in time. Acting quickly is vital since it allows individuals to spot their concerns in advance and take the correct precautions. This article explains the causes of water damage and how to mitigate them. Keep reading to learn more.
Major Causes of Commercial Water Damage
This type of damage in the workplace prevents normal operations and puts employees’ safety at risk. Below are the major causes.
Damaged Water Lines
Several elements, like extremely cold temperatures or too much pressure, destroy the pipes. Indications of damage due to pipe issues include water stains on the ceiling. It would be best to inform a plumber because identifying the cause of the drip on your own is not an easy task. They have specialized leak detection tools to identify and fix the problem.
HVAC Issues
Maintaining an HVAC system is vital to keeping the business premises comfortable for employees and customers. However, the system ducts wear over time, leading to leaks. In addition, seepage occurs from the condensate drains if they are clogged, causing droplets to accumulate around the unit. Other causes of leaks include low refrigerant levels, which lead to ice accumulation on the evaporator coils.
Poor Water Proofing Maintenance
Damage might also occur due to poorly maintained seals. Worn-out coatings on the property’s exterior allow water seepage and destroy the internal structures. Creating a waterproof exterior prevents seepage.
Damaged/Improperly Sealed Windows
Window damage or ones without proper seals highly contribute to water issues. They allow moisture to seep into the establishment. This triggers many problems, for instance, wood warping. To mitigate the issue, they should be sealed to prevent seepage. In addition, caulking should be done frequently to minimize the process of wear and tear.
Roof Leaks
Roofing problems result from extreme weather conditions such as heavy winds and snowfall. It may also result from improper maintenance or a tree trunk falling on top of it. A damaged rooftop causes ceiling issues, leading to seepage. Consequently, it results in water problems, including the growth of mold.
Solutions to Commercial Water Damage
Taking the correct measures minimizes expensive repairs and business interruption. Here is what business owners should know to mitigate the problem.
Regular Maintenance Routine
The components of a commercial property vary and have different uses. Moreover, they respond differently to forces of nature, for instance, water, snow, hail, floods, and storms. To enhance safety and prevent damage, people should consider an inspection plan that encompasses all the parts of the property. It’s unwise to wait to take action when disaster strikes. By that time, it might be too late
Leave it to Professionals
It would be best to hire an experienced expert to inspect the building. A plumber knows the signs to look for in case of a disaster. In addition, they are well-trained and can quickly spot minor problems before they develop into more complex issues. Furthermore, professionals play a crucial role during flood cleanup. They remove the water and dry the affected areas to prevent further damage.
Generate a Flood Plan
Typically, business owners should have plans to handle disasters that are likely to occur; flooding is no exception. They should create a disaster plan to indicate when they are in danger and how to stop it. In the program, individuals should identify the areas prone to flooding, for instance, on the ground floor, where the elevation level is lower than the surrounding regions. Additionally, they should establish other areas with access to rainwater. These areas should be the center of focus when creating flood defenses.
Clean Roofs and Gutters
It would be best to clean the rooftops thoroughly, mainly flat roofs, before winter. Accumulation of water on the rooftop eventually starts leaking through the ceiling. Also, the rainwater trapped in the gutters could ultimately get into the building. Property owners should ensure thorough cleaning of the rainspouts to remove dirt and debris that cause clogs and obstruct drainage.
Take Snow Seriously
Significant snow accumulations melt away and possibly enter the property. Business people should shovel the snow from the perimeter of the premises and clear all the walkways. In addition, they should clean the rain spouts—compacted ice from dams that clog them, thus preventing drainage. When shoveling, it’s essential to consider how the snow drains after melting. Digging channels that direct water to the nearest drain would be best.
Water damage is a serious issue. Luckily, it’s preventable by creating a monitoring system, among other methods. Individuals should call plumbers immediately if they notice any signs of damage. Experts can identify and fix the root cause of the problem before it gets worse.