7 Causes Of Commercial Water Damage And How SERVPRO Can Help

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

We are available to mitigate any size disaster!

The restoration professionals at SERVPRO know the severity that water damage can cause in the workplace. A water loss can force a business to close, and depending on the severity, it can cause a revenue loss due to the business having to close. If a water damage loss is not properly mitigated, it can also place risk on the health and safety of your employees and customers.

Immediate action is necessary once water damage is spotted!

SERVPRO of North Fulton has seen it all when it comes to water damage losses. We find that commercial water damage restoration is typically more complex than residential water damage restoration due to its intensive approach. 

5 Things To Consider For Commercial Water Losses 

1. The size and structure of commercial buildings 
2. The extent of damage 
3. The varying uses of space 
4. The number of occupants 
5. The project timeline

There are seven typical causes of water damages that the professionals at SERVPRO have mitigated. We understand that some water damage issues are inevitable, but they can be preventable, depending on the cause. 

What Are The Causes Of Commercial Water Damage? 

7 typical causes of commercial water damage:

1) Damaged Windows 

If your commercial building has damaged windows that have either been poorly sealed or have cracks in them, moisture may seep in. Moisture to a window seal can cause mold build-up and the wood to the window framing to warp. During a severe storm, a large amount of water may enter the business. It is essential to have your windows and windows seals often checked to prevent water damage from a damaged window. It may be a good idea to hire a local contractor to reseal any windows where the caulking has broken down.

2) Damaged Piping 

As the weather changes, the SERVPRO team gets more calls about bursting pipes. Weather can cause pipes to have pressure changes and possibly even freeze. If you notice any bulging drywall, water stains on walls or floors, loose tiles, or a musty smell, your property may have damaged pipes. SERVPRO will use an infrared camera and moisture meters to see if there is any damage to your commercial building's plumbing.  

3) Foundation Leaks 

A foundation leak is a common cause of poor water irrigation. In most cases, your local landscaping company can come out and make sure that the water is flowing correctly when heavy rainfall occurs. You need to call a reputable company to ensure that the water leak has stopped to the damaged foundation. In severe cases, a foundation leak can go unnoticed for months, causing a huge mold issue. 

4) Leaking Roofs 

We have found that a damaged roof can be a big problem when exposed to heavy rains and snowfall. It is best to have a commercial roof inspected at least once a year to prevent further damage. 

5) HVAC Leaks 

Just like all appliances, a commercial HVAC system has a lifespan. Over time, an HVAC system can wear and cause water leaks. We get HVAC leak calls here at SERVPRO of North Fulton often. To prevent damages, SERVPRO offers duct cleaning to ensure that the HVAC system is functioning correctly. 

6) Sewage System Clogs

A clear indicator that your sewer system has a clog is through gurgling sounds or water backing up out of a drain or toilet. If you believe that your commercial property has a plumbing problem, it is best to call a plumber to come out and take a look to prevent further damages from occurring. If there is a sewage backup, then you should call a certified water damage restoration company immediately.

7) Sprinkler Systems 

Sprinkler systems are great for preventing fire damage. Here in Atlanta, we get calls often after a sprinkler system goes off due to a false alarm. The water inside a sprinkler system typically has sat for years, making these types of water damages very messy. It is essential to inspect your sprinkler systems for leaks and moisture regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.

SERVPRO Free ERP 

SERVPRO offers a free Emergency Ready Profile for commercial and residential property owners. The goal behind an ERP is to prevent commercial water damage and to have a plan ready when water damage occurs. Having a plan in place can save time and money. 

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Commercial water damage restoration needs to be handled by certified IICRC professionals. We have encountered many mold projects that have resulted from poor water restoration. To save time and money, it is always best to contact a reputable water restoration company like SERVPRO. SERVPRO of North Fulton is available 24/7 365 days a year for all emergency services. 

Call us at (770) 992-2777