How To Overcome Commercial Water Damage

Commercial water damage can be an extremely stressful setback for business owners, and many are unprepared to handle the situation. It’s easy to panic and blank on the appropriate course of action, but any delay in post-damage decision making can lead to a more costly catastrophe cleanup. 

Whether it’s a burst pipe, leaky roof, or natural disaster, knowing the proper proactive measures to take when the worst happens — like contacting a professional restoration service ASAP — can help minimize loss and get your business back on track quickly. 

Let’s check out some common causes of commercial water damage and the most effective mitigating steps to take in the aftermath so that you can overcome this operational disruption and get back to business.

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

Water damage often occurs unexpectedly and is not always noticeable. Being aware of the signs of water damage, like stains on the walls or ceiling, weak/stained floors, peeling paint, musty odors, etc. can help you catch the problem and act quickly to resolve it.

Some common causes of commercial water damage include:

• Leaking Roof
• HVAC Damage 
• Leaking Sprinkler System
• Damaged Pipes 
• Plumbing Problems 
• Boilers 

Being aware of these sources and practicing proper maintenance can help you prevent water damage or reduce further damage in the event of a leak.

Minimizing Loss

Once you’ve noticed signs of water damage, the key is to act fast. Whether it’s from a slow leak that has gone undetected, or a sudden burst pipe or flood, you need to contact a professional restoration service to begin the restoration process right away!

Water Damage Restoration Process

1. Depending on the severity of the situation, safety measures need to be taken to ensure the security of the site and prevent accidents or injury. 
2. A thorough assessment will be conducted by restoration professionals to evaluate the extent of the damage and form a plan of action.
3. Salvageable items will be inventoried, packed out, and stored in a secure location until the water damage issue has been resolved and any subsequent construction has been completed.
4. The affected area will need to undergo an intense cleanup and drying procedure that utilizes large fans and dehumidifiers to prevent further damage and mold.
5. Once everything has been cleaned, dried, and sanitized, structural repair and restoration can begin.

Mold Remediation and Prevention

Any water damage that has gone unnoticed or unaddressed for more than 48 hours will likely result in some amount of mold growth. If you notice a musty odor or stale stench then you probably have mold and will require mold remediation. 

To prevent future mold growth, regularly inspect and repair pipes prone to leaking, control humidity levels in your building, make sure all rooms are well-ventilated, and keep surfaces dry.

Insurance Coverage

You want to make sure you and your business are properly covered from all angles in the event of water damage. Remember that water damage and flood damage are covered separately, so having commercial flood insurance in addition to commercial property insurance is a good idea. Likewise, business income insurance will make up for lost income if you have to close for any length of time.

Do You Have Commercial Water Damage?

If you have noticed any amount of water damage in your commercial space, or if you suspect there may be a leak, contact 24 Hour Flood Pros to solve the problem as soon as possible. Their full-service emergency experts will help you recover quickly and effectively, so you can get back to business as usual.