Everything You Should Know About Water Damage in High-Rises

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Most people understand that flooding, leaks, and other water damage are typical in single-family homes, but multi-dwelling high-rises are also prone to water damage. The team at SERVPRO of Lakeway/Westlake in Bee Caves, TX, explains why high-rises are susceptible to water damage, along with its causes and risk factors.

Everything You Should Know About Water Damage in High-Rises

When people think of water damage, they may think about a ground-level home or business. Unfortunately, high-rise commercial and residential buildings are also vulnerable to this problem. The ground floor is still susceptible to flooding from a natural disaster and heavy rainfall, but that doesn’t mean the top floor can’t also experience water damage.

Water restoration companies like SERVPRO of Lakeway/Westlake in Bee Caves, TX, understand the problems that high-rises have with water damage. They offer several services to mitigate the issue. To learn more about water damage in these buildings, see what these water-cleanup professionals have to say below.

Common Causes for Water Damage in High-Rises

Devastating acts of nature like hurricanes are sometimes the cause of high-rise water damage, but they are not the only source. Reasons for damage can include:

• Water Tank Rupture: A high-rise may have the water tank on its roof to use gravity to help water flow from the top floor to the bottom through pipes. If the tank sustains damage, the excess water can seep into the top floors of the high-rise.
• HVAC Issues: If the building uses water chillers to cool rooms, the line could leak and spill water into the areas around the rupture. The leak may stay behind walls, creating additional problems like excessive mold growth.
• Rain: Heavy rain can undoubtedly flood a bottom level, but it can also create roof problems. Most high-rises have flat roofs that can accumulate water. If too much rain pools on the surface instead of flowing down gutters and other drainages, the water can seep into the top floors and cause water damage.

Risk Factors for High-Rise Water Damage

Older buildings are among the primary causes of high-rise water damage, especially if the age exceeds 20 years. The plumbing and piping may wear down by this time, leaving more chances for flooding and leaks. 

Ignoring maintenance schedules is also problematic and puts the building at risk. Systems and equipment must undergo regular testing to ensure that everything is fully operational. According to Reshield, preventative maintenance like cleaning gutters, conducting inspections, and making repairs can reduce water damage.

How Water Restoration Companies Can Help

For severe water damage, you may need the help of a quality building-restoration service to handle water cleanup and structural repairs. They usually provide a residential and commercial cleaning service that goes above typical cleaning efforts to restore and sanitize a dwelling. 

You may also need assistance from mold remediation companies for mold removal if your restoration company doesn’t offer the service. Mold growth can occur as early as 24 hours after a flood or leak, so these technicians will inspect the premises after flood cleanup and bring the fungal levels back down to pre-disaster levels.

Why SERVPRO

As one of the leading water and fire restoration companies in the greater Austin area of Texas, SERVPRO of Lakeway/Westlake has been providing exceptional services to residents of Austin and the Hill Country for over 20 years. Their highly trained technicians use advanced technology and water removal tools to restore buildings to their original state.

To learn more about how these experts can restore your high-rise from water damage, call (512) 261-4790 or follow SERVPRO on Facebook for their latest news and updates.

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake

P: (512) 261-4790

12600 Hill Country Boulevard

Building – 5 Suite R-275

Bee Cave, TX 73738