Water damage is more than a nuisance to commercial buildings and properties. It is also a threat to assets, businesses, and their overall bottom line. If you do nothing, it may wreak havoc on almost everything including retail spaces and offices, resulting in business disruptions and costly repairs. By understanding its primary cause and preventive measures, you will mitigate the risks as well as reduce the effects of water damage.
Causes of Water Damage
Plumbing failures, mostly hidden in the walls, may wreak havoc on your building. Preventive maintenance, which may include addressing small leaks and regular inspections, may help to avoid major disasters. Other causes of water damage are foundation cracks and roof leaks.
What are the Risks?
Every commercial building is different but all carries the risks of water damage. For instance, structural damage to buildings can be severe. This results in insurance issues, liability, and costly repairs that might need excavation and earth-moving if the structure has shifted or is damaged. Mold contamination can also lead to various health problems like coughing, eye/skin irritation, wheezing, and nasal/throat congestion. In addition to that, you can also deal with the following:
- Property devaluation
- Concrete cancer
- Leaks
How to Prevent Water Damage?
Even commercial buildings that operate carefully can get water damage. This is why we agree with ‘better be safe than never’ adage. By this we mean that you look for strategies that can help you prevent water damage to your commercial buildings, like the following:
1. Work with Drainage Filters
A drainage filter from Carriff Engineered Fabrics Corporation can help you protect your underground system from sediment buildups. It has a permeable membrane, which filter all sorts of contaminants, including debris and soil, while letting water flow continuously.
2. Insulate all the Exposed Pipes
Normally, exposed pipes are susceptible to freezing during winter, and you know what frozen water in poorly insulated pipes can do. It creates pressure that can cause your pipes to burst. This, in turn, may result in structural damage or costly flooding. You may minimize the risks of this by wrapping your exposed pipes using insulation at many hardware stores near you.
3. Maintain and Install a Basement Flood Control System
Flash floods and rising ground water are a major concern especially for the lowest level of a building. To avoid water intrusion, you can do a few things. First, check the walls of the basement of a sign of damage. Second, install the right sump pump to protect your building against the rising ground water. Last but not least, install an early floor detector. This detector will help to minimize the risks by alerting you to react immediately.
4. Clean the Gutters and Roof
Regularly clean your gutters and roof especially before winter. Water accumulation on your roof may start leaking through the ceiling. Usually, missing shingles, broken flashing, and a pool of water are signs of water accumulation. So, ensure you get rid of debris and dirt to avoid clogs.
Water damage to a commercial building is a serious problem you can deal with. Apart from that, it will cost tons of money to repair damaged roofs and other structures. This is why it is important to hire a maintenance contractor to provide you with effective preventive solutions.
