Good practices a commercial space can follow to prevent water damage

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO shares how to recognize signs of water damage and practical steps to keep a check on potential water damage.

What are the signs of water damage in a commercial property?

Water damage incidents, if neglected, can escalate property maintenance costs. SERVPRO showcases some common causes of water damage in commercial spaces:

• Equipment and appliances

Any equipment such as air conditioners, water heaters, or anything that uses tubes, pipes, or filters to operate water has the potential to cause water damage. Concerns like rust, cracks, bulges, or signs of moisture can be spotted in time if there is a regular check and maintenance system. Preventative measures can save a property from major water damage restoration costs.

• The roof

Neglecting any damage to perimeter flashing, roof membrane, or roof penetrations such as drains, pipes, and gas lines could lead to major restoration needs. Checking the roof regularly can help avoid potential leaks, which in turn can prevent mold issues and fire hazards from shortened wires and compromised structural integrity.

• Pipes and sewage

A regular investigation of the plumbing system for signs of moisture, blue stains, rusting, cracking, and bulging can prevent serious water damage. Scale build-up, cut pipes, and uninsulated pipes are other signs to watch out for. A pipe camera or a leak detection system is very useful for a prevention plan.  

Sewage damage signs such as gurgling sounds or water backing up out of the drain or toilet must be addressed by a professional water restoration company like SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin immediately. Sewer water contains bacteria and other pathogens that cause illnesses and infections.

• Sprinkler Systems

A malfunctioning sprinkler system in commercial buildings can cause severe water damage. A regular check for signs of damage such as wet surfaces like drywall and carpets, mold, standing water, or rust enables timely action.

• Mother Nature

Some causes cannot be controlled but can be prepared for. Natural disasters like hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and tornadoes can do unimaginable damage to businesses. Keeping gutters clear, installing barriers, and storing sensitive files and electronics at a higher level mitigate the damage.

A risk assessment and flood insurance is also a worthwhile investment.  

• Damaged windows

Windows that are sealed improperly can cause moisture to seep in, triggering issues such as mold build-up and warped wood and drywall. Regular resealing is crucial since caulk eventually breaks down.

• Building foundations

Clogged gutters and poor drainage can cause water to leak into the property through the roof or the foundation. Nearby puddles and wet framing are the most common signs of leaks in building foundations.

• HVAC issues

Ducts in the HVAC systems eventually wear out and get damaged, resulting in leaks. The HVAC system must be cleaned regularly and the excess water from the condensation reservoirs should be removed to prevent water damage.

How to prevent water damage in the first place?

Prevention is always better than cure. Even minor damage mended in time can prevent huge restoration costs. 

1. Flood monitoring system

An efficient flood warning system is ideal not only in flood-prone areas but also to catch flooding caused by plumbing failures, overflowing rivers, and melting snow. 

1. More insurance coverage

Water damage restoration is an expensive affair. By including water damage in the insurance policy, one can deal with the costs more easily. 

1. Regular water damage inspection 

Get the property inspected by water restoration professionals like SERVPRO once a year and conduct leak detection in several ways, such as humidity monitoring and the use of spot sensors. Invest in facility maintenance.

One can’t eliminate all risk of water damage to property but monitoring the common culprits, practicing good maintenance, and taking preventative measures can reduce risks phenomenally, and enable a better response mechanism in case of emergencies. 

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Lago Vista and surrounding areas can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire IICRC-industry certification.

For commercial water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin today at (512) 318-2200.