The Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in a commercial business will prevent you from conducting business and it may put the safety and health everyone using the building at risk. If you find signs of water damage, it is crucial that you take action right away.

Water damage restoration services for commercial buildings can be more challenging than residential properties. In most cases, this necessitates an intensive and professional approach. The structure and size of commercial buildings, the extent of the damage, the varied use of the spaces, and the total number of occupants will all affect the restoration process used. Besides these, there is usually a time constraint for the job to be done because the business needs to keep running and avoiding a significant amount of downtime.

While some issues related to water damage are inevitable, most issues are preventable if the cause of water damage is found and dealt with.

Some of the most common causes of water damage in commercial buildings are found here.

Damaged Windows

In many commercial buildings, water damage is caused by windows that aren’t properly sealed. If windows are damaged, it can cause moisture to seep inside. This can trigger many issues, including warped drywall and wood along with potential mold growth. Regularly resealing the windows is crucial because caulk may breakdown as time passes.

Damaged Pipes

Issues related to broken pipes can be caused by an array of issues. They can occur because of changes in pressure, cold weather, and deteriorated sewer drains and water supply lines. Some of the signs of damaged pipes in your building include:

• Musty odors
• Loose tiles
• Cracked tiles
• Stains on the floors and walls
• Bulging walls

Detecting leaky pipes is something that is quite challenging, and it will usually require some type of inspection utilizing special equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters and borescopes.

The Foundation of the Building

If the gutters of your commercial building aren’t cleaned properly or regularly, they may become clogged. This will cause water to leak into the property through the roof or the foundation. A common sign of leaks in a commercial building foundation include puddles close by or framing that is wet. Improper drainage systems may also cause damage in the foundation.

Roof Leaks

A roof that is leaking may result in water stains and potential mold, compromised structural integrity, and fire hazards resulting from faulty wiring. Exposure to snow and heavy rains make roofs very vulnerable to serious damage. Also, if ice or snow is not removed properly, it can trigger even more water damage for a commercial property.

Problems with the HVAC System

The HVAC system heats or cools the air through a series of ducts. It is essential to clean the ducts regularly and the additional water from the condensation reservoirs. This must be removed to prevent water damage.