12 Commercial Water Damage Facts
Owning and operating a business in Oregon is a full-time endeavor, and it is important that business owners keep all aspects of their business in tip-top condition. This most certainly applies to the commercial property on which your company is located. It is an unfortunate occurrence, though, that unexpected emergencies happen, such as a burst pipe, leaks from old water heaters or a part of the HVAC system, frozen pipes from freezing temperatures, drain backup, roof leaks, or even a torrential storm causing floods. When disaster strikes and your commercial building incurs water damage, getting the issue taken care of as soon as possible by an experienced water damage specialist will save you time and money in the long run.
At Pacific NW Restoration, we understand how valuable your time is as a business owner. We want to help you eliminate the water or flooding issue quickly and efficiently to begin the restoration process. Water contamination of your products or equipment and mold growth in your building can be costly, so our team will respond immediately and assist you with all aspects of the cleanup and restoration after a flooding incident, including the claims process with your insurance company. We have also put together some useful water damage facts to help you find yourself with flooding or any other type of unexpected water issue in your commercial building.
Water and Flood Damage Facts
When a pipe burst or water leak in a commercial facility creates a flood zone because it erupts into a major leak, the results can be devastating to the business. The safety procedures and protocols designed to dry any remaining moisture out of drywall, flooring, and other porous materials once the excess water has been removed take the skills and equipment of a professional commercial water damage restoration company. Without the experts, you may end up with structural damage. Here are some facts to consider and tips to follow to ensure your commercial buildings remain free from water damage:
It Is Better to Be Proactive Rather than Reactive
Preventative maintenance and inspections should not be pushed to the back burner. It is always better to take proactive steps before a roof leak starts, the sprinkler systems malfunction, or the cold weather wreaks havoc in your commercial buildings. Be sure to check the gutters, roof, plumbing, HVAC system, and drains for anything that appears to be in less than optimal condition. Professionals can also be contacted to inspect for water damage or malfunctions.
Invest in Flood Insurance
Insurance companies are very particular about the types of incidents they will be willing to accept water damage claims for, and floods are generally not covered in standard business insurance policies. To ensure your commercial water damage will be covered by your insurance company, get additional coverage in your policy for flash floods, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding.
Roof Leaks Often Cause Serious Water Damage
Leaks in the roof, even small ones, are very often the cause of serious commercial water damage. Even though your roof may be in great condition, small leaks can still happen if the weather becomes severe with strong winds, freezing temperatures, and/or hail. Therefore, check your roof regularly to prevent significant damage later on.
Get Minor Issues Fixed
Minor issues can quickly turn into major problems if it is not expertly repaired as soon as possible. From the washing machine to burst pipes and everything in between, plumbing problems can certainly lead to you finding water damage that could have been prevented easily with maintenance and professional repairs.
Not All Water Contamination Is the same
There are three categories or types of water contamination: white water, gray water, and black water. When you find extensive water damage caused by one of these three types, the right safety protocols must be followed to properly clean up the excess standing water and disinfect the building.
Basic Cleaning Products Will Not Work
When you have experienced a water situation, basic cleaning products are not the right route during cleanup. Certain water damage types require specialized equipment or products, and various surfaces or building materials may not be salvageable (like insulation or ceiling tiles), regardless of the cleaning products. Therefore, it is best to hire professionals to manage your water damage services.
Salvage What You Can
With the help of a water damage professional, inspect all the soft and hard surfaces in your business to determine what is salvageable after water leaks, floods, or pipe bursts. Our team at Pacific NW Restoration understands that your products and equipment are important to the success of your company. Still, you need to be aware that extensive damage and humid conditions following a water incident may prevent certain items from being kept.
Beware of Mold Growth
Mold can be a very powerful and sneaky consequence of any water damage, so when you find water damage, likely, you will also find mold even when the water is gone. Moisture remaining in the porous materials in your building is one of the most common causes of mold, and certain types can be very hazardous to your health, the health of your employees and customers, as well as the structural integrity of your building.
Contact a Specialist to Prevent Mold Growth
There is excessive water, which is very likely to mold long after the water extraction process. Mold can have dire effects on your business, so it is important to call the experts for mold remediation. Alongside a mold prevention specialist, inspect your property for signs of spores or musty smells that indicate the presence of mold in different materials in your building. This professional will be able to assess the situation and help you get rid of the mold.
Just Because the Water Is Gone, You’re Not Out of the Woods
In emergencies that involve excessive water in your business, getting rid of the water is only the first step on the road to recovery. There is much more to do, especially if you wish to salvage items that have been affected by the water or continue to work out of the building. Cleanup and restoration after gallons of water have flooded your business need to be conducted by trained professionals.
Every Minute Counts
Because your business matters a great deal to you, you must contact cleanup professionals when you discover water damage in your building. Even the smallest amount of water from a minor leak can escalate quickly. When it comes to water and the damage it can cause, every minute truly counts.
Do Your Research
Whether you are deciding on a company to use for maintenance and preventative work or need a restoration company now, it is worth the time it takes to do some research. Find out exactly what needs to be done and read reviews of the companies you are considering. On a frequent basis, individuals are swindled by companies claiming to have experience and skills but do not come through in the end.
Contact Our Water Restoration Experts
If you are a business owner in Oregon who has discovered water damage in your building, contact Pacific NW Restoration. We are an independent business licensed to provide the highest quality, professional water and mold damage services to residents and businesses in Oregon. Contact us today to learn more about our services or if you need assistance in an emergency. We are available 24/7. Call to get the help you need!
