Commercial Water Damage is No Joke!

Water damage in commercial properties is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on your business. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or plumbing failure, water intrusion can disrupt daily operations, damage your property, and lead to expensive repairs. 

As the owner of Protegrity Restoration, I’ve seen firsthand how severe water damage can be, and I’m here to emphasize the importance of taking this issue seriously. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about commercial water damage—its causes, consequences, and steps you can take to protect your business from costly downtime.

1. Understanding Commercial Water Damage

Commercial properties are often larger and more complex than residential homes, making them particularly vulnerable to water damage. With extensive plumbing systems, multiple floors, and a range of sensitive equipment and materials, even a small water leak can lead to significant problems if left untreated. Understanding the causes of water damage is the first step in preventing it.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings:

• Burst Pipes: Pipes in commercial buildings may freeze and burst in colder weather, especially in older or poorly insulated properties.
• Leaking Roofs: Heavy rain, snow, or poor roof maintenance can lead to water leaks, which can cause damage to ceilings, walls, and structural elements.
• HVAC System Failures: Air conditioning and heating systems often produce condensation, which, if not properly drained, can lead to water pooling and damage.
• Appliance and Equipment Leaks: In businesses that use large amounts of water—like restaurants, hotels, or hospitals—leaks from appliances or industrial equipment can quickly escalate into larger problems.
• Sewer Backups: A sewer backup can result in contaminated water flooding your property, which can pose health hazards and require specialized cleanup procedures.
• Natural Disasters: Flooding from hurricanes, storms, or nearby water bodies can cause extensive damage, especially if the building is not properly protected.

2. The Consequences of Water Damage in Commercial Properties

Water damage may start small, but its effects can quickly spiral out of control, causing substantial financial and operational harm to your business. Here are the major consequences you may face if commercial water damage isn’t promptly addressed.

Financial Costs

Water damage can lead to costly repairs for building materials, flooring, walls, furniture, and equipment. Additionally, there may be hidden costs associated with the replacement of damaged inventory, increased utility bills from water waste, and potential fines for safety violations. If the damage is extensive, you might also face the cost of temporarily relocating your operations.

Business Downtime

For most businesses, time is money. Water damage can force you to close your doors, whether for a few hours or several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. The longer your business is offline, the more you stand to lose in revenue, and your customers may turn to competitors during this downtime.

Structural Damage

Water can weaken the structural integrity of your building. Over time, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause wood to rot, steel to rust, and concrete to crack. If left unresolved, this can lead to more serious safety hazards and expensive structural repairs.

Mold Growth

Where there’s moisture, there’s a risk of mold growth. Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure, and it can spread rapidly throughout a building. Mold isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a health hazard that can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues for employees and customers alike. Remediation can be costly and time-consuming, so preventing mold growth is critical.

Damage to Electronics and Inventory

For businesses that rely heavily on electronics, water damage can be catastrophic. Computers, servers, and other electronic equipment are particularly sensitive to moisture. Even minor water exposure can result in permanent damage or data loss. Additionally, businesses that store inventory on-site may face ruined goods, especially if water damage occurs in warehouses or storage areas.

Legal and Insurance Issues

Water damage may also expose you to legal risks. If water damage leads to unsafe conditions for employees, customers, or tenants, you could face lawsuits or workers’ compensation claims. Moreover, while commercial property insurance often covers water damage, some policies have exclusions for flood damage or slow leaks. This leaves you vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Steps to Take After Water Damage Occurs

Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Immediate action can help mitigate the damage and save you from more severe consequences down the line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to responding to commercial water damage.

Step 1: Ensure Safety

The first priority in any water damage situation is safety. If water damage is significant, evacuate the building until you can confirm it is safe to enter. Water and electricity do not mix. So, shut off the power supply to the affected area to avoid the risk of electrical shock. If water levels are high, contact emergency services immediately.

Step 2: Identify the Source

It’s critical to locate and stop the source of water as quickly as possible. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or an overflowing appliance, turning off the water supply or sealing the leak will prevent further damage. If the cause is external, wait for the water levels to recede before entering the building.

Step 3: Document the Damage

Before you begin any cleanup or restoration efforts, document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos and videos of the affected areas, making sure to capture all visible damage to walls, flooring, ceilings, furniture, and equipment. Thorough documentation will help you in the claims process and ensure you receive proper compensation.

Step 4: Remove Standing Water

The next step is to remove any standing water as quickly as possible. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. Use pumps, wet vacuums, or professional-grade equipment to extract water from the building. Be sure to remove water from all affected areas. This includes hard-to-reach spaces like under carpets, behind walls, or inside HVAC systems.

Step 5: Dry and Dehumidify

After removing the water, the drying process begins. Industrial fans and dehumidifiers are essential for thoroughly drying the area and preventing mold growth. It’s important to dry all materials that absorbed moisture, including drywall, carpets, wood, and insulation. Even if surfaces appear dry on the outside, moisture can linger inside walls and floors, so a professional assessment may be necessary.

Step 6: Assess the Damage

Once the area is dry, you can begin assessing the extent of the damage. This will determine what materials need to be repaired or replaced. In some cases, minor repairs such as repainting or refinishing surfaces may be sufficient. However, for more severe damage, you may need to replace drywall, flooring, and insulation to restore the building to its pre-damage condition.

Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Provide them with the documentation you gathered, including photos, videos, and any estimates for repair costs. Work closely with your insurance adjuster to ensure a smooth claims process. Some policies may require proof that you took immediate action to mitigate damage, so keep a record of any restoration efforts.

Step 8: Hire a Professional Restoration Company

Water damage cleanup and restoration is not something you should attempt on your own. Hiring a professional restoration company like Protegrity Restoration ensures the job is done correctly and thoroughly. Professionals have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle all aspects of water damage, from extraction and drying to mold prevention and structural repairs.

4. How to Prevent Commercial Water Damage

While not all water damage can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect your commercial property.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Schedule regular inspections of your building’s plumbing, HVAC systems, roof, and foundation. Early detection of leaks or signs of wear can prevent small issues from turning into major water damage events.

Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

Ensure that your roof is in good condition and that your gutters are free of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks or structural damage.

Install Water Detection Systems

Consider installing water detection systems that can alert you to leaks before they cause significant damage. These sensors can be placed near water-using appliances, HVAC units, or in vulnerable areas like basements.

Have a Plan in Place

In the event of water damage, having a clear plan can minimize the impact on your business. Designate a team member responsible for shutting off the water supply, contact emergency services, and have the information for your restoration company on hand.

Conclusion

Commercial water damage is no joke, but with the right preparation and response, you can minimize its impact on your business. At Protegrity Restoration, we specialize in commercial water damage restoration, and our team is equipped to handle everything from water extraction to full property restoration. If your business experiences water damage, don’t wait—contact us immediately for fast, professional service.

By taking the necessary steps to prevent water damage and acting quickly when it occurs, you can protect your property, minimize downtime, and keep your business running smoothly.