Commercial buildings are susceptible to severe water damage that can disrupt business operations, cause mold growth and result in expensive repairs.
To reduce the likelihood of water-related issues, keep up with building maintenance and regularly inspect piping and sprinkler systems. Plumbing leaks frequently cause water damage. Check for water stains near pipes and replace appliance hoses every three to five years.
Leaks
Water damage at a commercial property is frustrating and inconvenient; it can affect productivity, cause structural problems, and create health risks for employees and customers. To prevent water damage, commercial property managers should stay aware of the sources of water damage in their buildings. Some of the most common include roof leaks.
Roof leaks are frequently only symptoms of a much bigger issue. If ignored, there is a greater chance of hazard and structural degradation. The majority of entrepreneurs and property managers need roofing expertise. Therefore, they must contact professionals for commercial roofing in New Orleans when the roof of their building begins to leak.
Unlike residential structures, commercial buildings are filled with many more pipes and areas where leaks can occur. When these pipes are damaged, they can cause extensive water damage throughout the facility. Typically, signs of broken lines in commercial buildings are visible as water stains or mold on the walls.
Other signs of leaks are gurgling sounds, wet floors and carpeting, and a musty smell. Commercial property owners should also regularly inspect their sprinkler systems for leaks. Lastly, sewer leaks can be dangerous as they contain bacteria and other pathogens. They should be addressed immediately. It is also important to know that water can seep into the foundation of a commercial structure, creating serious problems down the line.
Sprinkler System
Water damage to commercial properties is a big deal, but it is often less obvious than in homes. Whether the water seeps through the ceiling, causing mold or damaging valuable equipment, it can impact productivity and lead to significant costs for the business. In addition to affecting productivity, a leaky building can pose health risks for occupants.
Every person who works in the contaminated area could have a long-term illness due to the moisture’s promotion of the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other hazardous microorganisms. As a result, commercial property owners must proactively monitor for issues that can lead to flooding and water damage.
Creating a water monitoring system, getting proper insurance coverage and conducting regular inspections and maintenance can all help to prevent commercial property damage caused by floods or other uncontrollable events.
Frozen Pipes
When the cold weather hits, frozen pipes pose a serious risk of bursting and flooding, which can lead to costly water damage. When water freezes, it expands and exerts pressure at over 2,000 pounds per square inch. It can crack or break the pipe and, once it thaws, unleash an entire hose of water at full force.
When a pipe freezes, the first sign is usually a small crack that appears from the ice expanding. The line may also look misshapen or bulged in some areas. The best way to thaw a frozen pipe is to slowly pour hot (not boiling) water over the frozen section. You can also use a space heater to warm the area, but be careful not to place any flammable objects near the heating element.
To help prevent frozen pipes:
- Keep your home or business warm during cold weather stretches.
- Keep your thermostat at a higher temperature day and night, and ensure that any unheated areas like the basement or attic are well-insulated.
- Check the temperature in your crawl spaces and any rooms that run along exterior walls, and consider relocating any especially vulnerable pipes.
Damaged Windows
Whether you have offices, retail space, manufacturing facilities or any other commercial property, water damage is an inconvenient and potentially costly problem. Tenants may lose income due to puddles of leaking water or black spots of mold, and property owners can suffer from reduced productivity or the cost of replacing damaged equipment and materials.
Water leaks are difficult to locate and stop, especially in larger buildings. This is because they may travel down walls, elevator shafts and other routes rather than directly to the ground. The longer they are left unchecked, the more damage they can do to structures and equipment.
Commercial property managers can avoid these problems by ensuring their windows are well-sealed. It includes both the weatherstripping and the caulking. If these are regularly checked and re-caulked, moisture can creep around the window, preventing damage to the drywall and woodwork surrounding it. It can also encourage mold growth. To avoid this issue, water damage specialists can help with re-caulking and other repair work.
Plumbing Issues
Commercial buildings have a lot of pipes that require regular maintenance. Freezing temperatures and deterioration can cause leaks in these pipes, leading to water damage in commercial structures. Detecting these leaks can be challenging as they are only sometimes visible and may need specialized water detection tools to locate them.
Musty odors, water stains and unexplained increases in water bills are often signs of leaky pipes. These silent leaks can waste money and cause severe water damage if left untreated.
In addition to the main plumbing system, commercial buildings have many appliances and other hardware that can leak water if not repaired or replaced on time. This equipment includes water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines.
Commercial building occupants must regularly inspect these machines to ensure they are working properly and that the caulking is not damaged or needs re-caulking. These minor issues can become a big problem if left untreated over the long term, resulting in mold growth, warped drywall and wood, and even structural damage.
