Water is a necessary part of life but can also cause many problems, particularly in residential and commercial buildings. In addition, water damage can come from several sources that could lead to significant issues requiring assistance from water damage restoration experts.
Water damage is a significant contributor to the need for restoration and repair within buildings. The cost associated with water damage can reach the billions every year, and water restoration companies work with businesses to restore these water-damaged buildings.
Avoiding water damage is key to operating a commercial building successfully. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye out for potential problems and know the sources of water damage. In this article, we’ll look at the dangers of water damage and the top causes of commercial water damage, and how you can avoid it entirely.
What is Water Damage?
Water damage is a term used to describe a range of losses from water intruding into spaces and damaging materials. Typical water damage outcomes include rotting wood, swelling wood cracking, bubbling or flaking drywall and paint, growing bacteria and mold, rusting steel, and delaminating flooring. There are several causes of water damage, but it tends to remain local in a single building where other forms of water hazards like floods tend to affect larger areas.
Consequences and Dangers of Commercial Water Damage
Water damage has considerable dangerous impacts that owners of commercial properties must be aware of. In addition, water damage poses threats to residents’ and visitors’ overall property and health.
Damage to the property can include weakened structures and ruined flooring, such as wood and laminate flooring, due to sitting water. Corroded pipes are another common source of damage and can lead to replacing entire pipe systems. Electrical system damage, staining, and long-term moisture issues are other common property issues associated with a water-logged building.
Beyond damage to commercial properties, water damage also poses a massive problem for the health of people and pets. Bugs and insects are attracted to moisture and come to breed in wet areas. Wet wood, flooring, and siding are prime locations for mold and bacteria growth. The mold can spread into the air and eventually into the lungs of anyone occupying the space, causing severe health issues and even, in the worst circumstances, death.
While restoration from a professional company can mediate much of the damage from water damage, severe structural issues and mold growth can be beyond even common remediation help. Knowing the causes of water damage and having regular inspections is key to maintaining your commercial property for many years.
Top 6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage
Now that you understand what commercial water damage is and the potential damage costs let’s look at the six top causes of commercial water damage in a building.
1. Damaged Roofing
A damaged or leaking roof can lead to minor water leaks that grow over time and cause unseen damage behind walls and different floor levels.
2. Poor Quality Materials
If the materials used in commercial property construction aren’t of high quality, it can lead to quick breakdowns and leaks that wouldn’t happen with better materials.
3. Damaged Pipes and Sprinkler Systems
Pipes and sprinkles carry water throughout a building, and if they are damaged, it can lead to unseen and unnoticed water damage. 4.
4. Severe Weather
Heavy rains and snow can stress building materials and unexpected leaks from areas that seemed protected from moisture in better weather.
5. Old HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling systems are necessary for a commercial space, but they can leak, causing water damage and moisture concerns as they age. In addition, purchasing a newly refurbished HVAC unit can be risky and can flood a building, even when freshly purchased.
6. Window Damage
Windows are an unexpected but surprisingly common source of water damage. Buildings have many windows, and if seals aren’t properly maintained, they can lose strength and leak over time.
What to do after Commercial Water Damage
When your commercial property is affected by water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold damage, or storm damage, it is crucial to seek help from a company that you can trust. At Global Restoration, we understand that an immediate and efficient response is essential to getting your business back to operating at full capacity. So contact our team today by calling 770-874-7996 to discuss your water damage restoration needs.