A simple thunderstorm can cause significant commercial storm damage to a building. Wind, rain, and lightning strikes can cause several complications, including apparent problems like holes in the roof and significant structural damage due to mold growth. Professional consultation from a restoration company is the best method for ensuring the structure receives proper repair. So what needs to be done? Here’s a look at what you should do.
Emergency Help First
In situations with structural damage due to something falling on them, the goal is to stop the problem from worsening. Emergency repair crews can do this. They can come to the location to cover gaping holes and to ensure the property is secured. However, if someone should enter the building and suffer an injury, it is still the property owner’s liability risk. That’s why this initial level of securing the building is a must.
In addition, emergency removal of that water is a must if there is standing water. It takes just 12 to 18 hours of water sitting on a surface to allow for mold to begin growing. The sooner it is removed and the area can start to dry out, the better. Water extraction is also a step that the emergency team typically needs to handle so that it’s safely removed.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your commercial insurance company may help to cover the losses you have sustained. However, this depends on the type of insurance policy you have. Your insurer will need to assess the situation, specify the damages, and determine if the repairs are possible. Sometimes they are so extensive or expensive that replacing the building may be in order.
Most of the time, that is not the case. Today, restoration companies can repair most buildings even after significant storm events and get them back to be opened and functioning again in no time. However, it is vital to have the insurance company out before any work begins. Contacting the insurance company will allow the insurance adjuster to determine the extensiveness of the repairs and start working towards resolving the damage cost.
Your restoration company will work with your insurance company to do this. Then, when you call our team out to inspect and estimate the work, we will work to create a list of damages and then provide a quote to the insurance company. This list then enables a plan to start to form.
What You Should Do As the Owner
At this point, you may be worried about how you will get back into your business and start earning again. There are several things you want to do to understand where things stand right now. Whether you operate your own business out of the building or rent the space to others, here’s what you need to consider throughout this process.
What is the damage level?
Precisely assess the level of commercial storm damage throughout the structure. Ensure that anyone who enters this space can be safe and, if not, do not allow access to anyone but the restoration company. Be sure all buildings are fully secure. Be sure you remain safe walking through the building as well.
What damage exists?
The next step is to create a comprehensive list of the evident damage. There are some key things to consider throughout this that are particularly important:
- What visible signs are present on the exterior of the building of the commercial storm damage? Is the roof, gutters, siding, lighting, or doors damaged? What structural damage is evident?
- What water damage is present? This includes all areas exposed to water damage, whether from water rushing in, a hole in the roof, or damage from firefighters putting out a fire caused by lightning.
- Are there broken windows?
- Are there existing water leaks?
- Is there damaged and wet insulation?
- Is there drywall damage?
- Look at the roof (Don’t climb on the roof yourself). Are there holes or missing components from HVAC systems?
- Is there damage to equipment or central systems within the property from the event?
Write down all damages that you can visibly see. Then, as you walk through the property, also be sure to take photos of the entire area. Documenting these damages provides a fast and easy way to have evidence of what occurred. It can also help determine the type of property or possessions lost in the event.
Work with the Commercial Storm Damage Team
After a storm like this, where significant damage occurs, it is always essential for you to have a team of licensed professionals available who can help you through the process. Electrical, plumbing, structural rebuilding, and waterproofing may be necessary. You also want to be sure that any structural damage is appropriately managed from start to finish to minimize any ongoing concerns with your property.
Don’t overlook what you cannot see, such as mold development. The restoration team can help you work towards preventing and treating mold should it become a concern. In addition, having the property sanitized can help ensure it is once again a safe environment for your team to work in once you get the business back up and running again. Finally, allow the restoration team to provide insight into any other services you may need.
How Can You Get Help Now?
Do not put off getting commercial building restoration work completed. Our team is here to help you. Call us now, and we’ll be there quickly to start securing your property and creating a restoration plan.
