Common Commercial Water Damage Issues

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in commercial buildings can be a significant and costly problem, often arising from various sources such as leaks, floods, burst pipes, or even natural disasters. These incidents can lead to structural damage, compromised electrical systems, mold growth, and damage to valuable equipment and inventory.

Common water damage issues in commercial buildings include roof leaks, plumbing failures, malfunctioning HVAC systems, and improper drainage. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to prevent further damage, maintain a safe environment for occupants, and preserve the integrity of the building's structure. Effective preventive measures, regular maintenance, and quick response to water-related problems are crucial in minimizing the impact of water damage on commercial properties.

Commercial Roof Leaks

Commercial roof leaks pose a big threat to the integrity of a building, leading to extensive water damage and potential mold growth if it is not quickly addressed. When a roof leaks, water can seep into the building's structure, damaging insulation, ceiling tiles, and drywall.

Over time, this moisture accumulation creates an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive. Mold not only compromises indoor air quality, but also poses health risks to occupants. If it's left unresolved, roof leaks can weaken the building, leading to structural damage and costly repairs.

That's why it's crucial to address commercial roof leaks promptly. Timely repairs not only prevent further water damage but also inhibit the growth of mold, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for you, your employees, and customers.

Commercial Plumbing Failures

Commercial plumbing failures can cause extensive water damage and pose a serious risk of mold growth if not repaired right away. Leaky pipes, burst water lines, or faulty fixtures can lead to water seepage into walls, ceilings, and floods, creating hidden pockets of moisture where mold can thrive.

Mold growth not only damages building materials but also poses health hazards, like we mentioned before. Also, stagnant water resulting from plumbing failures can weaken the building's structure over time. That's why timely repair of commercial plumbing issues is crucial to preventing water damage, mold infestations, and the associated health risks.

Malfunctioning HVAC Systems

Malfunctioning HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems can promote significant water damage and mold issues if not taken care of right away. When HVAC systems malfunction, they may produce excessive condensation or leaks, allowing water to accumulate in building spaces.

Prolonged exposure to moisture promotes mold, which will spread quickly throughout the building. The excess moisture from HVAC leaks can weaken walls, ceilings, and floors, compromising the structure.

Improper Drainage

Improper drainage systems in commercial buildings can promote severe water damage, making it imperative to address the issue promptly. When drainage systems are not functioning correctly, rainwater, storm water, or even wastewater may not be directed away from the building efficiently. This can result in water pooling around the foundation, seeping into basements, and causing structural damage.

Over time, stagnant water can erode foundations, compromise the stability of the building, and end up being expensive. Also, it creates a conducive environment for mold, which not only damages the building, but is dangerous to be around. Proper drainage ensures that water is directed away from the building, preventing water damage, mold, and preserving the integrity of the commercial structure.

Regular inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs of drainage systems are essential to safeguarding commercial properties from these potential issues.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are another reason why commercial buildings can deal with water damage. Although this isn't considered to be a "common problem," it's a problem that has happened to the best of us whether it be to our home or businesses. It's important that we always have a heads up with the weather reports, especially when it's hurricane season or winter storm season.

Ensuring that your business' windows and doors are sealed correctly is a big step in protecting the building from water damage. When it comes to heavy rains and flooding, lining the building with sand bags to protect it from water build up is also a good way to protect the building.

When Disaster Strikes...Call SERVPRO

If and when your commercial building falls victim to water damage, it's important to call an experienced water damage restoration company to help. SERVPRO offers water damage restoration services from drying, extracting, mold removal, and more. We actively reduce property loss in these threatening scenarios by staying prepared. We do that by:

• Stocking trailers with extractors, air movers, and other recovery tools
• Encouraging our entire roster to obtain their water restoration accreditation through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
• Staffing a 24/7 response line with real people to begin collecting vital information about your loss to help our responding technicians

We understand the level of care and consideration that your commercial property needs. With water loss incidents, we are on the clock to reduce property damage through many direct approaches including:

• Extraction with submersible pumps
• Controlled demolition to access damaged areas
• Specialty drying equipment for moisture extraction and a complete drying process
• Content management to remove at-risk belongings from the damaged areas

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water disaster is different, from the amount of water to the level of contamination of the water. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment
Step 3: Water Removal/ Water Extraction
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Step 5: Cleaning and Repair
Step 6: Restoration Services

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns two other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”