Preventing Water Disasters in Commercial Buildings

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings serve many purposes from office buildings and retail spaces to residences and hotels. Regardless of the building use, these large spaces have interconnected systems that make water damage potentially dangerous and widespread. Prevention is crucial to maintain the integrity of the business and safety of the people inside. Here are some guidelines for preventing water disasters in a commercial building.

Reexamine the Roof Often

The roof is the barrier between the rain and storms. Protect the most vulnerable part of your building by keeping on top of roof repairs.  While repairs can become expensive, the investment in the short-term helps prevent the high cost of water damage restoration for an entire building later.  Commercial roofs often include HVAC equipment and other building equipment, which if damaged, could lead to cascading effect to floors below. Water intrusion is particularly threatening during heavy rains and storm season. 

• Check rooftop penetrations and HVAC systems regularly.
• Look for any water stain marks, which could be a sign of roof issues.
• Inspect roof drains monthly.
• Be sure the drain outlets are free of debris.

Be Maintenance-Minded and Inspect the Property Regularly

It is important to diagnose and repair issues within a building efficiently and consistently. Water is pervasive and persistent.  Building operations should include a complete routine checkup of all systems that are vulnerable to water damage and other emergencies.  Catching issues early on will also minimize the cost needed to fix problems.  

A maintenance plan should include inspection of:

• Windows
• Plumbing, drains, mitigation
• Wall Systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Machinery
• Sewer issues

Be Prepared to Respond Quickly to Water Damage Events

While proper planning can help prevent water damage, some water events such as storm damage, are unavoidable. Know the process for filing claims with your insurance agency in the case of unpreventable water emergencies.

Choose a certified, qualified cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO of West Palm Beach. have 24/7 response team that is available to respond to water damage, mold remediation, storm damage and restoration needs.

Maintain a rehearsed emergency response plan, like those developed for free by SERVPRO of West Palm Beach specialists in the Emergency Response Profile (ERP). It includes: a profile document that contains only critical information needed in the event of emergency, facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Water issues can lead to extensive damage and mold infestations later. Prepare with routine maintenance, repairs, listening to concerns of tenants, and developing a thorough disaster preparedness plan. Call SERVPRO of West Palm Beach today at 561-795-5410 for assistance and visit our blog for more tips.