Water damage can cause a lot of problems for businesses. It can keep you from doing business and might lead to poor customer service. It will probably put your employees’ health and safety at risk, as well. That makes it important that you take action the moment you see any signs of commercial water damage.

Some water damage issues are unavoidable. However, most of the problems can be prevented by finding the cause of water damage before the problems become large.

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

Damaged Windows: Water damage in commercial buildings is most often caused by improperly sealed windows as the caulking breaks down over time. Moisture can seep in through the window, which will lead to a lot of problems, including:

• Mold build-up
• Warped wood
• Warped drywall

You should reseal your windows regularly for this reason.

Damaged Pipes: There are many causes for broken pipes, such as: 

• Changes in pressure
• Deteriorated water supply lines and sewer drains
• Cold weather

It is challenging to detect leaky pipes, and it often requires the use of specialized water leak detection equipment. There are signs you can look out for, though, including:

• Bulging walls
• Water stains on walls or floors 
• Cracked or loose tiles
• Musty smell 

Building Foundation: Your gutters can also cause problems if they are not cleaned regularly. Clogged gutters lead to water leaking into the building through the roof or the foundation. Puddles nearby or wet framing are the most common signs of leaks in building foundations. Having a poor drainage system can also cause water damage to your foundation.

Roof Leaks: A leak in your roof can lead to: 

• Ceiling damage
• Mold or mildew issues
• Fire hazards from shorted wires 
• Compromised structural integrity

Heavy rains and snow can also make roofs vulnerable to damage. 

HVAC Problems: HVAC systems work by heating or cooling the air through a series of ducts. These ducts wear out over time and get damaged, which results in leaks. Your HVAC system needs to be cleaned regularly.  Removing the excess water from the condensation reservoirs will help to prevent water damage.

Sewer Clogs: Sewer water has bacteria and other pathogens in it that can cause illnesses and infections. You should call professionals immediately if you see signs of sewage damage, such as: 

• Gurgling sounds
• Water backing up out of the drain or toilet

Sprinkler System Leaks: You should regularly inspect your sprinkler systems for leaks and moisture. Some common signs of sprinkler leaks include: 

• Wet surfaces like drywall and carpets, 
• Presence of mold and mildew
• Standing water

Preventing Commercial Water Damage

You can save yourself costly repairs and business interruption by taking measures to prevent future water damage. Since water damage comes from many different sources, it is essential to have your building inspected for leaks and related issues regularly.

Create a Flood Monitoring System: Make sure you have a good flood warning system set up. It doesn’t matter if your business is in a flood-prone area or not. Flooding can come from other causes, including:

• Plumbing failures
• Overflowing rivers
• Melting snow

Get Enough Coverage for Your Property: Property insurance policies don’t typically include flood coverage. Having water damage insurance can help you with any restoration costs.

Conduct a Water Damage Inspection Regularly: Professionals should inspect your property at least once a year. They perform leak detection in several ways, including: 

• Humidity monitoring
• Spot sensors

Invest in Facility Maintenance: A preventative maintenance plan can help to keep your building safe and secure. This will also contribute to your efforts to prevent water leaks. Different parts of a commercial building should be inspected at different intervals.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Commercial water damage restoration is usually more difficult than residential water damage restoration. This is due to all the factors that all affect the restoration process, including:

• The size and structure of the building
• The extent of damage
• The varying uses of space
• The number of occupants

In addition to these, there’s also always a time constraint because businesses have to continue as quickly as possible.

Commercial water damage restoration is best handled by professionals. You need to make sure you hire restoration contractors who are certified water damage restoration certified.

Have you seen signs of water damage in your commercial property? Then call Mr. Restore right away. Finding and fixing the root cause of the water damage can stop it from getting worse.