Preventing Water Damage in your Commercial Building

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Pipes

All buildings are different, but each is at risk for water damage. From a minor roof leak to violently destructive hurricanes, any unwanted water intrusion can significantly impact the value of a commercial property.

If your business experiences a water-related incident, you’ll need to act quickly to mitigate the damage. Small business insurance can also play a crucial role in lessening the financial impact. However, it’s best to prevent such occurrences from happening in the first place. Use these tips to protect your business from flooding and freezing damage.

Conduct Regular Inspections

The components of a commercial building are diverse and complex. Unlike residential property, commercial buildings tend to have major external HVAC components, roofs decorated with an array of pipes and fans, and large utility rooms. The best way to keep the harsh weather outside is to hire a professional to conduct frequent and thorough inspections.

Insulate exposed pipes

Exposed pipes during the winter are vulnerable to freezing. Plummeting temperatures can freeze water inside a poorly insulated pipe, causing the pipe to burst. A broken pipe can lead to costly flooding or even structural damage. Ensure the pipes are insulated. The more insulation you use, the better protected your lines will be.

Inspect gutters and drainage

Fallen leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to the exterior and interior walls. Regularly inspect your business’s gutters, downspouts, and drainage system, and remove any debris or buildup.

Locate your shut-off valve

If a pipe breaks, you’ll need to act quickly. That means you should know the location of the main shut-off valve for your building’s water supply. Shutting off the main valve will temporarily cut the water flow to the building, preventing flooding until you can fix the problem.

Seal cracks and gaps

Seal any cracks, holes, or other gaps in your building’s exterior and foundation to ensure that cold air doesn’t penetrate your structure, and warm air doesn’t escape. Caulk, weather stripping, and other sealants can be used to make your building more energy-efficient and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

Have a Plan B

Ideally, each commercial building should have options for temporary office space and plans to inform clients of quick changes in the case of severe water damage. Additionally, it’d never be a poor use of time to back up critical paperwork electronically.

Protect your business with insurance

It’s essential to have adequate insurance in place if you experience water or freezing damage when it comes to small business insurance—the details of your coverage matter.

Ask your insurer to add a rider or endorsement to extend coverage to hazards that are excluded from your policy to ensure your business is protected.

Quick response to water damage events

Often the speed of response to a water damage event is the most vital key to getting back to normal day-to-day operations quickly.

Remember, SERVPRO of Summit Lake, Park & Eagle Counties is ready to assist you with water damage restoration and help you get back to normal. Getting your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible is our number one priority. We are a 24/7 emergency response. Call us today at 970-457-1449.