Water damage in the workplace will not only halt your business, but it will also put the health of your employees at risk. Although most cases of water damage are experienced by homeowners, commercial premises are not immune, and it’s the last thing you want to deal with when running a business. To know how to minimize water damage in the workplace, you need to understand the most common causes.
Burst water pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in commercial buildings. Deterioration of water supply lines, cold weather, and changes in pressure are some of the factors that cause pipe bursts. You can spot damage caused by burst pipes by watching out for water stains on walls, floors, and ceilings. If you notice a mildew-like smell, it is time to call a professional to mitigate the problem.
Another cause of commercial water damage is the sprinkler system. Causes of sprinkler malfunctioning include corrosion, high temperatures, or mechanical damage. Like with burst pipes, you should watch out for wet walls, a musty smell, standing water inside the premise, or discolored ceiling tiles. Get a professional inspector to check your sprinkler system regularly to avoid such damage.
The HVAC system is part of regulating the temperature in your building, keeping the employees comfortable. It works by heating or cooling air through the ducts. Due to wear and tear, it can get damaged, resulting in leaks. To avoid this, the HVAC system must be cleaned regularly, and surplus water from the condensation reservoirs must be removed.
Most commercial buildings have an abundance of windows. While these windows are vital to the overall structure and design of commercial buildings, they also give an easy entry point for water. Faulty windows and damaged window seals, if left unfixed, let water seep into the building, causing mold, damaged office materials and stationery, and more water damage. To get one step ahead, always ensure broken windows get fixed promptly.
Severe weather conditions such as flash floods, hurricanes, and thunderstorms can cause a lot of damage to your property, including water damage. It’s difficult to prevent natural disasters from happening. Taking precautionary measures is the only way to defend your business property against possible catastrophes. Your commercial building should be equipped with a proper drainage system to avoid sewer clogging. The roof and the gutters should be cleaned and cleared of any debris to avoid blockage. On top of all that, a good disaster response plan to help issues get resolved quickly after a disaster event may prove vital.
Disasters happen unexpectedly. To make sure a water damage event does not halt your business operations, always make sure you get a flood monitoring system. In addition to the flood monitoring system, get an insurance plan that covers flood damage and conduct regular property inspections to locate and maintain faulty issues. If you are looking for a commercial water damage restoration in St. Paul, get in touch with ICC Restoration and Cleaning Services.