Water damage causes losses to property. It is estimated that 14,000 people are affected by water damage on any given day. A report by a commercial engineering firm said that losses of around $13.2 billion are set to occur in retail, offices, and multi-unit residential properties due to flood damage in the US in 2022.
Though residential and commercial water damage are devastating, the impact can differ. Commercial buildings affected by water damage may be larger, the number of employees affected can be large, and more advanced and expensive devices may get damaged. It would be beneficial if business owners are aware of the causes of water damage, the possible outcome of water damage, and preventive measures that can be taken. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. is a contracting company that caters to residential and commercial clients in South Florida. Their water damage restoration team has the knowledge, training, and expertise to remove water and restore homes or commercial property to a pre-damage condition. In this article, Suncoast Contractors lists some of the ways in which water damage can affect office buildings.
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Causes of Commercial Water Damage
Damaged or Broken Windows
Burst or Damaged Pipes
Cracks in Foundation
Roof Leaks
Faulty HVAC System
Blocks In Sewer Systems
Leaky Sprinkler System
Extreme Weather like Storms
Possible Effects of Water Damage on Office Buildings
Damage to Structure
After water damage, buildings can sustain damage to their structure. Sometimes in commercial buildings depending on the timing and source of water damage, it can go unnoticed. The more the exposure to water, the more risk of structural damage. Ceilings, flooring, drywall, insulation, and wooden and metal fixtures can all be exposed to moisture resulting in damage. Depending on the extent of damage, repair or replacement is done.
Electrical Safety Hazards
Electrical wires and devices can get damaged when exposed to water. This leads to a risk of electrical fires. People are coming into contact with malfunctioning electric equipment or fittings after water damage is at risk of electrocution.
Exposure to Chemicals
Some businesses may need to stock chemicals, which can leak into floodwater. These chemicals can be corrosive and worsen the damage to building materials and structures. They can also be toxic to humans or animals exposed to the water. If a sewage backup is causing water damage, it is safer to entrust the water damage restoration work to a professional. Sewage water is contaminated, and contact with it must be avoided. Water damage restoration specialists are trained to use protective gear and equipment to complete work safely and efficiently.
Risk for Mold Growth
Mold growth is a risk after water damage, especially if restoration is delayed. If the office building is exposed to moisture for more than 24 to 48 hours, mold growth is almost inevitable. Indoor air quality declines if mold is present and can lead to health problems. To avoid this, water damage restoration must be initiated promptly. In case of the presence of mold, mold remediation will be needed. Suncoast Contractors also provide mold removal services.
Financial Impact of Water Damage
Water damage restoration may seem expensive, but the financial impact of delaying water removal, mitigation, and rehabilitation will result in significantly higher costs. Apart from this cost and the cost of replacing irreversibly damaged supplies and equipment, there can be an indirect financial loss to a business. When it takes to restore the office building to its normal condition, a business can be disrupted. The delay in providing a service or product can cause customers to seek assistance from other companies. Temporarily shifting the business location to minimize disruption can also incur additional expenses. Acting swiftly by engaging the water damage restoration service services is the best way to reduce the financial impact of water damage.
Business owners must try to prevent water damage as much as possible. Regular maintenance work will help prevent water damage from leaky pipes or faulty appliances. An emergency plan must be in place to maintain business continuity in disasters or emergencies. A professional water damage restoration company should deal with water damage due to sudden, accidental causes as swiftly as possible.
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Since the delay in water damage restoration can worsen the extent of damage and lead to complications like mold growth, it has to be started as soon as possible. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service responds swiftly and with empathy when contacted for water damage restoration services. To get benefits from this company built on three generations of general contracting and damage restoration services in Delray Beach, FL, and nearby areas, they can be called at (561) 316-3989.
