Business property can also be vulnerable to water damage of any origin, be it a slab leak, burst pipe, or natural disaster. Flooding can destroy not only commercial property but interrupt business operations, undermining supplies, distribution, or sales, leading to lost profits. Thus, you need to tackle the problem as fast as possible to restore the property and get business back to normal.
For all water damage cases time is the crucial factor that influences the damage level and, consequently, restoration costs. To solve the problem you need pros specializing in commercial water damage mitigation and restoration.
Competent restoration contractors assume the responsibility to:
- Inspect and evaluate the damage
- Remove excessive water
- Dehumidify and clean the affected area
- Check for mold growth and remediate (and disinfect) if necessary
- Restore your business property to its initial condition
- Help to file insurance claims and guide through the policy coverage process.
Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage
Most restoration experts say that around ¾ of all water damage in commercial premises come from various leaks: leaky pipes, HVAC malfunction, or leaky appliances. Yet still, improper insulation of the basement or leaky roofs can be the reason for flooding during heavy rain or storming events. In general, the most common causes of commercial water damage include:
- Plumbing issues.
- Faulty appliances.
- HVAC system problems.
- Harsh weather. Heavy rains shouldn’t be the reason for flooding inside the property. The true reason is usually a leaky roof, cracked walls, or a leaky basement.
You cannot prevent heavy rains or storms, but you can protect the commercial property from unfortunate events through regular maintenance. Take as a rule to invite a specialist for a regular (preferably, yearly) inspection of your property. An unnoticed tiny leak in plumbing may lead to office flooding and consecutive problems that are costlier to eliminate.
For instance, leaky plumbing leads to higher moisture content in the air and provokes mold growth. Mold is toxic to humans and requires immediate action as mold spores spread with lightning speed. In addition, remediation of affected surfaces can be costly and takes time, while for repairing a leaky pipe you don’t need to interrupt office work and can ask a local plumber to fix it.
7 Tips to Manage Commercial Property Flooding Efficiently
Once you’ve discovered flooding at your commercial property, follow the steps below to stay safe and fix the problem promptly with minimal disruption of business operation:
1. Safety measures
Safety first! If you notice unwanted water at office premises, do not enter standing water. If the water supply pipe is out of the flooded area, shut it off. The main power supply should be closed too.
2. Look for the cause of water flooding
If possible, try to find the source of excessive water; otherwise, wait for the pros to identify the leak.
3. Call the insurance provider.
Notifying a policy provider is a necessary step as your insurance company might send an inspector to identify the damage and coverage. It is always recommended to add photos and videos to the claim. The coverage (if applicable) depends on your policy.
4. Call a water damage restoration company
An insurance company can recommend a restoration team specializing in commercial property repairs, or you can find a contractor on your own. In case of severe damage, you may need a 24/7 emergency services provider to pump out excess water and prevent further mold growth. Contact flood water removal services as soon as you’ve found unwanted water.
5. Make photos and videos
As mentioned above, you need documented evidence of the damage to support your insurance claim.
6. Inform all employees, customers, and partners
When commercial premises are affected by water, you cannot run the business as usual. Inform employees about the problem and switch some departments to remote work if possible. Inform customers and business partners that
7. Create a regular maintenance schedule.
Preventing water damage is easier and cheaper than dealing with its consequences.
How to Prevent Water Damage (Commercial Property): The Checklist
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Maintenance
Any plumbing system requires regular maintenance, particularly when it comes to commercial property. To run a business successfully you probably have developed a plan for a continuous working process. Similarly, for uninterrupted functionality piping and HVAC systems need regular service.
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Regular inspection
Even if all major systems and appliances function well, a yearly inspection will help you reveal tiny leaks that otherwise could pass unnoticed and lead to more serious problems. Again, the roof and basement should be inspected too, as clogged gutters or worn-out insulation can lead to flooding during rainy weather.
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Insurance
There are several types of commercial insurance policies to protect your business from water damage:
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- commercial property insurance that covers damage from burst and leaky pipes. Policies also cover costs of damaged equipment (at actual cash value or repair costs);
- commercial flood insurance covers damage occurred due to natural disasters, such as flooding;
- business income insurance that covers lost income in case your business operations are interrupted due to property damage.
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Save contacts of a reliable restoration company
It provides emergency services. You never know when you’ll face a leaky or burst pipe or unanticipated harsh weather. If you have the phone number of a trusted contractor saved, you won’t waste precious time searching for a commercial flood cleanup crew.
In conclusion
Following the tips above, you can minimize the consequences of water damage and commercial flood restoration costs. Your fast actions and professional flood remediation will get your commercial premises back to normal in the shortest possible time so that you can run your business normally. Remember that regular maintenance costs less than flood damage restoration; hence, schedule regular property inspections in your business calendar.
