Commercial Water Damage Repair

Water damage can be a devastating ordeal for a commercial property, from structural issues to business disruption. When water intrudes, acting fast is critical.

What is Commercial Water Damage Restoration?

Commercial water damage restoration involves a multi-step process to remove water, dry affected areas, and repair the damage caused by leaks, floods, or other water-related issues.

• Water extraction: Using pumps and shop vacuums to remove standing water.
• Drying and dehumidification: Removing moisture using industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers.
• Cleaning and sanitizing: Disinfecting the affected areas by preventing mold growth and eliminating health hazards.
• Restoration: Repairing or replacing damaged materials like drywall, flooring, and insulation.

Because commercial buildings often involve large areas and complex systems, specialized equipment, and experienced technicians are required to handle the job correctly.

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

• Burst or Leaking Pipes: Pipes can burst due to freezing, corrosion, or old age, leading to significant water damage.
• Roof Leaks: Roofs with poor drainage or damaged shingles can end up with water seeping into the building during heavy rain.
• Sewage Backups: Clogged up or damaged sewer lines can cause backups, leading to hazardous black water.
• Flooding: Natural disasters or heavy storms can flood commercial properties, often requiring extensive repair.
• Overflowing Sinks or Toilets: Accidental overflows can cause localized water damage that spreads if not addressed quickly.

Even small leaks, if left untreated, can result in severe damage over time.

The Risks of Delaying Water Damage Repairs

Failing to address water damage immediately can result in several serious consequences, including:

• Structural Damage: Water can weaken walls, floors, and ceilings, compromising the building’s integrity.
• Mold Growth: Mold grows quickly within 24 to 48 hours of exposure, leading to health risks and expensive remediation.
• Health Hazards: Stagnant water harbors bacteria and contaminants, creating unsafe conditions for employees and customers.
• Increased Repair Costs: The longer water sits, the more extensive the damage may be, leading to higher repair costs.

Immediate Steps After Discovering Water Damage

1. Shut off the water source, if possible, to stop further flooding.
2. Contact a professional restoration service immediately. Companies like SERVPRO or BELFOR offer 24/7 emergency services to mitigate further damage.
3. Document the damage by taking well-lit photos or videos. This will help protect you when filing an insurance claim.
4. If it’s safe to do so, move valuables and sensitive equipment to a dry area. This can help prevent further loss of important items.

Types of Commercial Properties

• Office Buildings: Water damage can disrupt work and damage important files and electronics.
• Retail Stores: Damaged inventory and customer disruptions are common concerns in retail spaces.
• Restaurants and Hotels: Water damage can lead to business closures due to health code violations.
• Schools and Hospitals: Water damage in educational and healthcare environments must be handled promptly to avoid endangering students or patients.
• Industrial Facilities: Machinery and materials can be ruined by water damage, leading to costly downtime.

Restoration companies have the expertise and equipment to handle water damage in any type of commercial building, large or small.

The Restoration Process and Specialized Equipment

Professional water damage restoration involves several steps and requires specialized tools. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Inspection and Damage Assessment: Technicians will evaluate the damage to determine the extent and plan for restoration.
2. Water Extraction: High-powered pumps and vacuums are used to remove standing water quickly.
3. Drying and Dehumidification: Industrial-strength dehumidifiers and fans dry out the property, preventing mold growth.
4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: Anti-microbial agents are applied to clean and disinfect the area, ensuring it is safe for use.
5. Restoration: This usually involves repairing or replacing damaged materials, such as drywall, insulation, or flooring.

Restoration companies use advanced equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, HEPA air filters to clean the air, and high-capacity dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the environment.

Does Insurance Cover Commercial Water Damage Restoration?

In most cases, commercial insurance policies will cover water damage restoration, particularly if a sudden, accidental event like a burst pipe or flood causes the damage. However, coverage depends on the specific circumstances and your policy.

• Review your insurance policy to confirm what is covered.
• Contact the insurance company when water damage occurs to start the claims process.
• Work with your restoration company to document the damage and provide necessary information to your insurer.

Some restoration companies can help assist with insurance claims, making the process smoother for business owners.

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Water Damage Repairs

While handling water damage repairs yourself might be tempting, it’s best to leave this work to professionals. Here’s why:

• Specialized Equipment: Proper drying and dehumidification require industrial-grade equipment that most business owners cannot access.
• Health Risks: Gray and black water can contain harmful bacteria or chemicals, posing serious health risks.
• Potential for Further Damage: Incomplete drying can lead to hidden moisture problems, which can eventually cause mold growth or structural damage.

Attempting to repair water damage without the right tools and knowledge can result in more costly damage later on.