Water Damage in Commercial Buildings: The Most Common Causes
Water damage causes a lot of problems for commercial buildings. This blog post will discuss the most common causes of water damage in commercial buildings.
Leaks
They occur in various places, including roofs, toilets, pipes, and windows. If a leak is not fixed on time, it leads to extensive damage. Leaks cause mold growth. To prevent leaks, it is essential to regularly inspect the roof, windows, and pipes for signs of wear. Maintain equipment regularly; devise a plan to deal with broken equipment. Taking the proper precautions avoids costly repairs and downtime. Toilets are one of the significant places for leaks. To prevent a toilet from leaking, make sure to fix any cracks or holes in the porcelain. Check the flapper and flush valve regularly to ensure they’re not worn out.
Pipe bursts
They usually happen because of freezing temperatures or old pipes. To prevent pipe bursts, insulate all exposed pipes and drain any outdoor faucets before winter arrives. If there’s an older building, have a professional plumber inspect the piping to see if it needs to be replaced.
Flooding
Flooding occurs due to heavy rains or storms. If a commercial building is located in an area susceptible to flooding, have a plan in place for how to deal with floodwaters. In some cases, they pump out floodwaters off the building. The best course of action is to evacuate the building in other cases.
Damaging of HVAC system
The HVAC system is responsible for circulating air throughout the building. If the HVAC system is not working correctly, it causes a build-up of moisture in the atmosphere. It leads to mold growth and water damage. Inspect the HVAC system regularly.
Damaged Window
If the windows are not correctly sealed, they allow water to enter the building. It leads to mold growth and water damage. Inspect the windows frequently.
Severe Disaster
A severe disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado, causes extensive damage to a commercial building. If a severe disaster is expected, it is crucial to have a plan for dealing with the aftermath, including evacuating the building, pumping out floodwaters, and dealing with damaged equipment. Natural disasters cause a lot of damage to commercial buildings. Prepare for such days in advance by having the correct countermeasures.
Mold growth
Mold growth occurs due to water damage. Mold spores are present in the air and can enter through open windows or doors. Once they find a damp area, they will start to grow. Mold growth causes various health problems, including allergies and respiratory infections. Keep the building dry and free of water leaks to prevent mold growth.
Damaged Sprinklers
If the sprinklers are not properly maintained, they cause water damage. It is vital to have the sprinklers inspected frequently to ensure that they are working properly.
Vacant offices
If an office is vacant for an extended period, it leads to water damage. The pipes may burst due to the lack of water flowing through them. If an office is going to be vacant for an extended period, drain the pipes and turn off the water supply.
Damaged water heaters
If the water heater is not working correctly, it can cause extensive water damage. Let the heaters be inspected regularly by a professional.
Clogged gutters and downspouts
They cause water to back up and enter the building. It leads to water damage and mold growth. Inspect the gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure they are clear of debris.
Blocked drainage systems
If the drainage system is blocked, it causes water to back up and enter the building because it can’t drain properly. It leads to water damage and mold growth. Inspect the drainage system regularly to ensure it is clear of debris.
Restoration is vital to any business or organization hit by water damage because time is of the essence when dealing with flooding and other water disasters. If it waits too long before being handled by a professional, the water will continue to cause damage, and the restoration process will be more difficult. Keeping the building clean and free of clutter will help to reduce the risk of water damage. Be aware of these potential problems to prevent water damage from occurring, and take steps to fix them before they cause extensive damage. While water damage is a severe problem, it is preventable with proper maintenance and inspection.
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