Downtime, even when it is temporary is a loss for commercial establishments. While some downtime can be avoided through routine maintenance, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risks. Water breaks,
floods, leaky roofs, equipment malfunctions, and HVAC condensation caused by drain line clogs oftentimes lead to downtime. The cleanup alone could take several weeks or months to complete in severe cases.
Pristine Water Damage Restoration
Commercial establishments need to be in operation eight, 12, or 24 hours a day to be profitable. Minor water damage can be cleaned up and repaired while the business is in operation. Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said about moderate to severe water damage.
Experts recommend a water damage cleanup & restoration plan, as well as an evacuation plan for severe water leaks. Preparedness always provides the best outcome for the owners and their employers.
Commercial Property Water Damage Prevention Tips
- Have a natural disaster preparedness plan in place
- Train employees on what to do during a water break
- Create an evacuation plan for emergency situations
- Designate an employee to contact the municipal water authority
- Designate an employee to turn off the main water valve
- Designate an employee to coordinate a cleanup effort
- Keep Pristine Water Damage Restoration’s phone number in your Rolodex for quick access
Never encourage employees to remain in an unsafe work environment. Have everyone evacuate the building to clear the way for a thorough inspection. Besides yourself, your employees should be the number one concern when a disaster strikes.
Commercial Property Water Damage Factors
The contributing factors of commercial water damage are the same as
residential water damage. Commercial properties are installed with a plumbing system made of up water and
sewage pipes. Poorly maintained roofing systems are another contributing factor to water damage.
Water pipes must be buried in the ground below the frost line to prevent freezing in frigid temperatures. Water pipe and
sewage pipe leaks are difficult to detect, especially the main line that runs under the ground to the municipal water meter.
Preventing Commercial Water Damage
Water damage can be much more than cosmetic. The key to preventing structural damage is the early detection of water leaks. Routine inspections of the visible water and sewer pipes, roof, and HVAC drain lines. Washers, ice makers, and dishwashers are connected to the main water line. Water line connects have a tendency to work loose over time. Encourage your employers to routinely inspect the water lines to ensure they are fully connected.
Repair roofing damage sooner than later. Ignoring missing or broken shingles will lead to a bigger problem later on down the road. Roofing repairs are much more affordable than roofing repairs combined with water damage restoration.
Clean gutters at least once a year. Clogs, caused by leaves and other debris, will result in rainwater backflow in the gutter system. When rainwater has nowhere to go, it will backflow into the roofing system. Annual cleaning will ensure the gutters are operating efficiently around the clock.
Stop Water Damage Mold Growth Before It Starts
The key to preventing mold growth following a main water line break is a quick cleanup. Research reveals mold growth begins with 24 hours of water damage. A water damage restoration team can clean up the damage and restore the commercial property to its original state.
Early detection of water leaks can prevent mold growth. It should be a key part of every commercial property inspection checklist.
When To Call In A Water Damage Expert
It is never too early to
contact a water damage restoration contractor. These experts work with other contractors to clean up and repair commercial properties after a flood, roof collapse, main water line break, and sewage backflow.
