SERVPRO: Flood Damage Risks and Preventive Measures for Commercial Buildings

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO article discusses the risks posed by storm-related flooding to commercial buildings and the preventive measures that can be taken to mitigate the impact of these floods.

Flood damage risks and preventive measures for commercial buildings

Weather phenomena including cyclones, hail storms, and torrential rain can cause immense water damage to commercial buildings. SERVPRO mentions the several risks that these weather conditions pose to commercial buildings: 

• Structural failure

Flooding can cause severe structural damage to a commercial building that can make the property unsafe. This not only creates liability and causes insurance challenges for the property owners, but entails massive and expensive repairs.

• Mold growth

Mold grows in the presence of moisture and can lead to several health effects. Mold can grow inside floors, walls, cabinets, and even the air ducts if the water damage is not checked at the earliest. 

• Concrete cancer

Concrete in commercial buildings is reinforced with steel bars or mesh, which corrodes in the presence of air and water. Corroding steel then expands, resulting in ‘spalling’ - a cracking of surrounding concrete. This concrete cancer can spread if not arrested in time. 

• Leaks

Leaks caused by storms can ruin the contents of the property, such as furniture, equipment, electrical systems, and other items. It can also cause ceiling, wall, and floor damage.

• Diminished property value

Storm damage can severely impact property values. Without correct or sufficient preventive measures, a commercial property can lose value to flood damage.

Preventive measures for commercial buildings

Rising river beds, tropical storms, heavy surface rainfall, or excessive rainfall in a short period, can damage commercial properties. There are certain preventive measures property owners can take to keep commercial buildings safe from impending damage.

• Assess the property: Identify vulnerable points and make repairs or amendments accordingly. Examine drain pipes and roofing and address any loose tiles or fixtures on balconies or terraces. Find ways to prevent water damage on flat roofs, where puddles can form after rain.

• Flood-proof basements: Give attention to basements as they could prove to be the best way to keep the building dry in case of flooding. Caulk the cracks, patch foundation walls, and install a sump pump in the basement. An underground car park with leaking pipes or water damage can cause cracks and damage to the surfaces, damage parked vehicles, and pose a safety risk to occupants. Exterior excavation waterproofing, crack injections, and waterproofing from the ground up can flood-proof the building’s basement.

• Improve landscaping: Graded landscaping will allow water to run down and away from the property foundation. Downspouts should be relocated so that water from the roof falls far from the property foundations.

• Clean up: Cleaning out gutters, downspouts, as well as roof and perimeter drains before a storm arrives will prevent water from backing up into the building.

• Inspect the HVAC system: The buildings’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is extremely vulnerable when it comes to water damage. Any power outages or electrical surges must be prevented by elevating the HVAC and securing it with tight bolts and a waterproof cover.

Getting a professional assessment of the property for potential risks is one of the best preventive measures that commercial building owners can take. SERVPRO of Lakeway/Westlake is an experienced commercial restoration company that can be contacted for water, mold, and storm-related damage restoration.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Lakeway, West Lake Hills, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For commercial cleaning services, in Bee Cave, TX, and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake today at (512) 261-4790.