Water damage is one of the costliest disasters a property can face, costing thousands to millions of dollars in repairs. As such, water damage can be a source of significant problems, especially for commercial property owners.
While there are several ways to prevent water damage in your commercial building, a basic understanding of how it occurs can help avoid such instances. This article enumerates the most common causes of water damage in commercial buildings.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are the only cause of water damage you can’t control. It can strike at any time with little to no warning. Its destruction can range from small rooftop leaks to dangerous floodings, which may require the services of the experts like this company called Water Damage Specialist.
Natural disasters that can cause water damage to commercial buildings include hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes. That said, if you own or manage a commercial building, you’d want to prepare for these calamities by developing a sound plan for dealing with the aftermath. However, it’d be good to note different types of disasters have different types of preparation.
Plumbing Issues
The plumbing system is the unsung hero of any commercial and residential building. It provides clean water on demand while removing wastewater as far away from your property as possible.
In commercial buildings, plumbing systems consist of more complex networks of pipes. When these connecting pipes are damaged for various reasons (old age, wear and tear, corrosion, etc.), water can leak into your commercial building’s structure and cause damage.
Some plumbing-related water damage can be slow and gradual, such as leaking pipes behind walls, while others are more evident and disastrous such as a burst pipe. Regardless, it’s essential to have your building’s plumbing system regularly inspected to ensure they’re still in good condition. Moreover, make sure to replace worn parts and ensure proper maintenance, such as insulation during winter.
Damaged HVAC System
Another essential component of any commercial building is its HVAC system since it helps keep the air clean and ensures comfortable and consistent temperatures all year round. But as with a plumbing system, commercial HVAC tends to have more complex air ductwork installations.
If your commercial HVAC system has seen better days or certain parts start malfunctioning, it can cause water leaks and damage to your property. There are several ways that an HVAC system can leak. Two of the most common parts that are more likely to cause water leaks and damage are:
- Broken Evaporator: When an evaporator freezes, ice builds up inside the coils. This increases moisture level inside the ductwork, which may cause leaking within your pipes.
- Condenser: The condenser dehumidifies and cools outdoor air as it brings it inside. Refrigerant can leak into a drain pan or the ground if it malfunctions.
That said, regular inspection and maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your commercial building’s HVAC system is in good condition and preventing leaks within your property.
Leaky Roof
A commercial building’s roof is often neglected due to its location, especially in high-rise buildings. However, when a property’s roof has significant damage or doesn’t have debris-free drainage, it can cause significant leaking within your building’s structure. It allows water to seep into the building, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and personal belongings, especially floors closer to the roof.
To detect roof leaks, look for signs of water running down the side of your commercial building. You can also check for wet spots on floor tiles or windowsills, indicating that water from the roof is not draining properly.
Sprinkler System
If your commercial property catches on fire, a sprinkler system can help extinguish the fire, saving property losses and lives. It’s also a requirement to ensure fire safety in buildings. While that’s the case, sprinklers are also one of the most neglected systems in a commercial building.
Generally, a malfunctioning sprinkler sensor can turn on and won’t go off until someone arrives and shuts off the valves. Aside from sensors, loose sprinklers or pipes can leak small amounts of water, causing water damage to drywall, carpeting, and other commercial building materials.
As such, inspecting and maintaining the sprinkler system regularly is important. Check for any signs of leaks, such as mildew and mold, standing water, soaked carpets, and wet ceiling around the sprinkler.
Damaged Or Old Windows
Windows can also cause water damage in your commercial building. This is particularly true for older or damaged windows. Generally, when there are holes or gaps in the windows, moisture and leaks can creep in (especially during a rainy day), causing water damage around the area and encouraging mold growth.
Thus, it’s essential to check that all windows in your commercial building are sealed correctly. Take the time to re-caulk windows preventing gaps and drafts, reducing the risk of water damage, and ensuring a more energy-efficient building.
Takeaway
Commercial water damage can be quite disastrous and have a significant impact on your business or commercial property. That said, acting quickly is critical to mitigating water damage. As a good start, it can help to know the possible causes of water damage in your business so you know where to look at the first sign of damage.
