Business owner fears experiencing any property destruction such as water damage. Besides interrupting business, water damage could cost a lot of money and time.
A full assessment performed by experts who specialize in water damage restoration in Denver businesses acts as the basis of effective water damage restoration. These assessments go beyond surface-level examinations, intending to expose hidden problems.
Water damage professionals thoroughly inspect the affected spaces using specialized methods and equipment to determine the extent of the damage. This detailed evaluation provides a roadmap for customized restoration strategies that tackle concealed and noticeable effects of water damage. Water intrusion can be due to several things such as:
- Bad drainage systems in the building foundation walls on a site or inside the building
- Leaky pipes inside the commercial structures
- Broken shingles or roof tiles
- Incorrectly installed downspouts
- Sewage backups
Verify the Extent of the Damage
To assess the extent of water damage in a commercial building, you must first decide whether there is any obvious damage. This can be done by inspecting for physical indications of water damage like discoloration on the walls.
If there are no obvious signs of water damage, it might be necessary to use a moisture meter to gauge how much water has gotten into the building materials.
Once you have decided which materials have been affected by stagnant water, these spaces should be treated correctly by eliminating the entire wall or drying it out with a fan or dehumidifier. Projects may require different procedures depending on the circumstances, and a qualified restoration contractor will be able to suggest the best steps forward.
Dry Out the Distressed Spaces
The first step in the evaluation procedure is eliminating any water-soaked things. Water damage could be hazardous. Therefore, it’s vital to get the water out of your building immediately to prevent mold growth and other health risks. If you aren’t skilled enough to do the task, hire professionals who possess the knowledge of restoring commercial properties with water damage problems.
They’ll have the necessary tools and equipment for this job and can manage problematic situations that might develop during cleanup efforts. Water damage could be time-consuming and expensive for any business owner or facility manager. If you suspect that your commercial property has been impacted by water, it’s critical to take swift action to decrease your losses and any damage.
Signs of Commercial Property Water Damage
You don’t have to be a plumber or a handyman to recognize the signs of possible water damage. Here are some things to look for:
- Dampness
- Wallpaper or paint has bubbles in it or is warped
- Surfaces that are spongy to the touch
- Damaged caulking
- Discoloration on the floors, walls, ceilings, or countertops
- Mold
- Water puddles
- Musty smell (indication of mold growth)
- Rotting flooring
- An increase in the water bill
These are all warnings that your commercial structure might be suffering from damaged plumbing. Everyone who works or lives in the building should be told of these signs so they can be on alert. It is also vital that everyone knows who to tell if they detect any possible leaks.
It can be frustrating to find out your commercial structure is suffering water damage which can get worse if not handled swiftly. Fortunately there are professionals who can assist with these services 24/7/365.
Finding Out Where the Water Is Coming From
The first step to resolving a water issue is finding its source. Fast repairs and guessing won’t help you down the line. If you can cut off the main water supply, do so ASAP. Your commercial property is your responsibility. Therefore, it’s best to get to the bottom of things immediately before they cause injuries or become a serious health hazard.
Plumbing problems, such as leaky pipes, could be a big issue. Particularly in commercial buildings which are much bigger than houses. Besides an excessive water bill, water damage could lead to substantial structural damage due to rotting, warping, mold, and staining. Water pipes typically look airtight and resilient but could collapse under extreme pressure or be damaged by renovation-related work. High water pressure in a building can lead to damaged pipes and worn fixtures.
HVAC Problems
HVAC problems may create water damage. Condensation in your HVAC unit is destructive for your commercial building. It could be due to a leak in the collection pan or overflow. This is usually hard to notice until it needs fixing. Problems could be weakening of the HVAC system and flooding, leading to deterioration and needing to buy a new HVAC unit.
If you think that your HVAC unit isn’t working correctly, schedule an inspection of your HVAC and the rest of your commercial property for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some signs of possible HVAC water problems:
- Apparent signs of water damage such as leaking ducts
- Low-quality or restricted airflow
- The heat pump is on and never shuts off
- The unit isn’t cooling properly
Faulty Appliances
Faulty appliances (i.e. dishwashers, water dispensers, and refrigerators) are another reason for water damage to commercial properties which could be a potential health risk. In addition to water dispensers, dishwashers, and refrigerators, faulty appliances include any commercial-grade appliance found in a commercial building.
A defective water line or pipe could begin with something as simple as a little drip but can lead to mold growth and power outages. If the defect is severe enough it could unexpectedly release a burst of water when it ultimately reaches breaking point. This will lead to more extensive water damage. There are many ways to determine if your commercial appliances need attention.:
- Be watchful and note any visible damp areas, malfunctions, or leaks
- Implement frequent maintenance checks either by the supplier, a third-party service provider, or in-house maintenance
- Don’t use appliances if there is an obvious technical problem. Be sure that they’re visibly marked with a warning for other occupants and call for repairs as soon as possible.
Be sure to use your warranties and be careful to only use the appliance for its intended function.
Roofs
Pitched or flat, composite or asphalt, roofs are at high risk of suffering from water damage. Roofs on commercial buildings are usually loaded with vent pipes, skylights, HVAC components, and other building elements that are located directly overhead. Roofs usually endure plenty of activity such as:
- Having test equipment and toolboxes put on them
- Walked on constantly
- Catches branches and leaves
- Sand and dirt blown over it
- High wind speeds and heavy debris
All these rooftop actions combine to make this part of the commercial building particularly susceptible to water invasion. To prevent water damage from the roof:
- Inspect rooftops frequently outside and inside
- Make sure the seals are intact around the HVAC units
- Make sure the flashings around stack vents, skylights, and other rooftop elements are in good condition
- When examining from below, ensure you don’t see any light where it shouldn’t be
- Look for any water stain marks
The roof drainage system on a flat roof is vitally important. Examine all roof drains every few weeks.
The reason to perform this task so frequently is that even one clogged drain could result in thousands of dollars in damage when heavy rain occurs. Additionally, one plastic bag blown by the wind and landing in the roof’s gutters or other drainage can create an instant clog. Make sure the drains are debris-free. This simple check will enhance the life expectancy of this costly and critical commercial building part.
Flooding from External Sources
Heavy rain, flash floods, or other external sources could cause water to penetrate a commercial property’s defenses and get into the building from the outside. Access to water in commercial buildings can lead to serious structural damage, undermining the building’s reliability, creating safety dangers for occupants, and compromising the business.
The Bottom Line
Beyond the obvious costs of repairs and restoration, the implications move across different aspects of business operations and employee health, impacting expenses, profits, and revenue. Functionality could be seriously affected, resulting in disrupted production, building closures, or a reduction in customers because of water damage.
Commercial water damage is distressing as it disrupts business, resulting in massive losses and decreased productivity if not taken care of quickly. You must take the necessary steps to prevent water damage or reduce its impact. As with any crisis, the solution is to respond swiftly and purposefully.
Protecting commercial property from the numerous threats of water damage is critical to keeping the facility clean and stable.
Contact a Water Damage Restoration Expert
When it comes to assessing a commercial property with water damage, you need to contact a Denver water damage restoration business. Asking for advice from friends and loved ones will probably result in receiving numerous responses, some of which aren’t very helpful.
A water damage restoration contractor has the proper equipment and experience necessary to reduce danger when performing tasks to dry out the building. If you suspect water damage to your commercial property, contact us today for a free evaluation.
