Water damage to a commercial business can lead to significant downtime and losses. The longer the business remains closed, the greater the chances customers will flock to the competitors. When commercial water damage strikes, take these steps to minimize the negatives.

What causes commercial water damage?

A wide range of common scenarios can cause water damage to a retail property. When water damage occurs, it is costly to repair. If restoration is delayed, the existing water damage can spread and destroy even more areas within the commercial building.

• One common source of water leaks is the HVAC system. Clogged drains, malfunctioning condensate pumps, and frozen evaporator coils can cause the air conditioning unit to fail. The HVAC fails because of a lack of regular maintenance; these units must remain clean of dirt and debris.
• The amount of water that leaks from an HVAC unit is not insignificant. In one manufacturing plant, the amount of water that leaked from a failed air conditioner was 12,000 gallons. The business lost $12 million in revenue and cleanup costs and had a need for regulatory approval.
• Pipes, toilets, and sinks are frequently used in commercial buildings. As a result, plumbing leaks can occur and cause major water damage. About 250 gallons a day can leak from a crack as small as 1/8 of an inch. The water damage affects surrounding walls and ceilings, adding to the cost of repairs.
• The most prevalent cause of water damage in commercial properties is a roof leak. Rain, snow, wind, and poor maintenance contribute to the water leaks on the rooftop. Rainwater pools on flat roofs, straining the roofing structure and membranes. Exposure to harsh elements requires regular roof repairs.

Why should businesses plan ahead?

Any of the abovementioned scenarios can occur unexpectedly. Businesses must assess their risks and plan ahead of a water damage disaster. Partner with a water damage restoration service that can mitigate the losses and work with the insurance company to expedite the claim.

A qualified vendor will customize a restoration plan, factoring in the unique needs of the business. This vendor will work with the insurance company prior to a water damage incident so that the insurer accepts their involvement well before disaster hits.

Reputable water damage restoration contractors are available 24 hours a day and respond quickly to emergency situations. If property loss occurs, the vendor supports an insurance claim by documenting the extent of damage with photos and video. They serve as an advocate, helping the business stay open.

How do businesses minimize losses and downtime?

If a water damage event has occurred, stop the damage.

• Identify the source of the leak, such as a hole in the roof or leaking pipes. Shut off the water main for water damage that is due to a burst or leaky pipe; this helps prevent further damage.
• Contact the insurance company as soon as possible and notify them of the incident. Provide the insurer with evidence of the water damage by taking ample photos and videos. If prior disaster planning was conducted, the insurer will be aware of the water damage restoration service chosen.
• It’s important to be proactive and choose a water damage restoration contractor ahead of needing one. The business owner—not the insurance company—is responsible for selecting a restoration service that can minimize downtime when a water damage emergency occurs.

How do businesses prevent water damage?

Businesses can take steps to decreases the chances that water damage will be severe.

• Especially in colder geographical areas, insulating the pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting. Wrap the pipes with insulation, which is available from local hardware stores.
• Set the thermostat so that it is no less than 50 degrees, even when the building is vacant on weekends or nighttime. Maintaining warmth inside the building ensures the pipes will not freeze. Try to avoid significant temperature fluctuations during the day and night—which can also cause frozen pipes.
• Inspecting and cleaning the gutters on the commercial building can help prevent water damage to the exterior and interior walls. Perform regular inspections, checking the gutters, downspouts and drainage systems. Clear away debris so that water drains freely and away from the building.
• Structural damage can occur on the roof if snow and ice regularly accumulate. Business owners are advised to know their roof’s load-bearing capacity. In winter, check that the weight of snow and ice do not extend beyond this limit. Remove snow from the roof, which also helps prevent ice dams.
• Schedule routine inspections and maintenance to the HVAC system. Even a minor leak in the unit can be responsible for major and costly water damage inside a commercial building. Regular inspections, however, significantly reduce the risk of expensive cleanup and property loss.

Water damage to a commercial property can lead to a host of aggravations. Water can seep into the building and cause damage to the carpets, drywall, inventory, and equipment. Mold growth is a high risk when moisture is left unaddressed. The business may have to temporarily close for cleanup.

Call a Water Damage Restoration Company

Water damage is a potential threat to every commercial business. But by working with a reputable water damage restoration service, you ensure that your company will resume operations as quickly as possible and minimize losses.

A swift response by our professional crews helps mitigate your losses. We begin extracting the excess moisture using high-tech equipment. Technicians then dry the premises with powerful drying machinery.

Upon drying affected building materials and restoring wet carpeting, we apply an anti-microbial to prevent mold growth. If mold has developed, our technicians begin our effective mold remediation process. A final inspection is conducted to ensure all moisture has been removed.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.