What Causes Commercial Water Damage?

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall provides information on how commercial water damage occurs in this article.

Water damage is a leading cause of property damage. It affects homes and businesses. Water damage can be devastating in all ways, including financially. Especially with commercial property damage, the impact of physical and financial loss can affect current and future business. 

SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem,  and Whitehall provides residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services. The company takes care of cleanup and restoration necessary after a fire, smoke, or water damage. They are certified in mold and mildew mitigation too. SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall is committed to helping businesses to resume functioning smoothly as soon as possible. In this article, the commercial property damage repair professionals share some information on how commercial water damage is caused. 

Business owners should be aware of hazards that lead to water damage. It is easy to expect storms or bad weather to lead to water damage. But water damage is commonly caused by unpredictable causes that do not come to mind immediately. 

Causes of commercial water damage 

Malfunctioning Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler systems can malfunction especially if they are outdated, faulty, or neglected. Broken or malfunctioning sprinkler systems can cause water damage.

Burst Pipes: Pipes can burst to cause water damage in residential or commercial buildings. It is important to ensure water keeps flowing when the temperature falls so that the water does not freeze. When water freezes it expands, which can cause pipes to rupture. This can lead to flooding in a building within minutes. 

Broken Equipment and Appliances: Appliances and equipment can break or develop faults. When sinks, toilets, washing machines, dryers, etc back up, they can cause water to leak. In commercial buildings, these leaks can go unnoticed depending on when and where the leaks occur. 

Sewer Lines Back-Up: Sewer lines can back up, and there is a risk of the building being exposed to black water. This can be toxic and damage furnishing and devices. Business owners must be vigilant about maintenance in the building to help prevent commercial water damage.

HVAC System Malfunction: HVAC systems are essential in commercial buildings to maintain a comfortable temperature and air quality. Clogging or leaking occurring in HVAC systems can cause water damage. HVAC systems need regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent this.

Damaged Windows: Rainwater and moisture can seep into buildings through windows that are broken or need to be recaulked. Even if the water is not enough to cause flooding, it can cause water damage to building materials like drywall, and lead to mold growth.

Roof Leaks: When roofs are old or sustain damage, they let in elements they are supposed to protect buildings from. Leaky roofs can result in water damage during heavy rains or snowstorms. 

Natural Disasters: As mentioned above, extreme weather can lead to flood damage or water damage. 

Businesses can take steps to avoid commercial water damage. Though commercial property insurance can offer financial protection, water damage can force businesses to close or relocate, if necessary, for a while during water damage restoration. Despite the caution, commercial water damage can happen. In such instances, quick and thorough water damage restoration is essential. Delaying water damage restoration can worsen the extent of water damage and lead to complications like mold. This is why hiring a company to handle commercial water damage restoration is helpful. 

The staff at SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall is trained at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility. The company also has IICRC industry certifications. They are equipped to handle residential and commercial restoration services. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division has specialists who are qualified and positioned to handle any size disaster. SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall has personnel with the training, experience, and equipment to handle flooding or water damage emergencies in small offices or big box stores. They can be contacted at (610) 559-9380 for commercial restoration services for any kind of property damage.