How to Deal With Spring Shower Damage to Your Office

May 27, 2019

The risk of water damage increases during the springtime, with the infamous April showers pouring down on businesses. If your office experiences water damage, you can take a few steps to remedy and prevent this from happening again.

One: Assess the Damage Quickly and Accurately

Water damage has a nasty habit of causing both visible and invisible damage. You may notice a ruined wall but be unable to see the water pooling in the crawlspace between floors or inside a lower wall. Have a professional inspect water damage immediately. The sooner you address it, the sooner you can assess the full scope of the damage and prevent secondary issues like mold growth.

Two: Disinfect Thoroughly

Rainwater and storm surge waters carry loads of harmful bacteria. Water damage can also foster the growth of bacteria, mildew, and mold that can be hazardous to the health of everyone in the building. After assessing the water damage with professional assistance, address any structural damage allowing water to enter the building and then carefully disinfect all surfaces touched by the water before starting repairs.

Three: Prevent Structural Damage

Water damage can weaken supporting structures in any building. If you notice any significant water damage, a professional can help you determine which structures are repairable and which require replacement. Some local laws and ordinances may also have unique stipulations for fixing water damage in commercial buildings, so ensure your building is in compliance with any such laws in your area.

Four: Practice Preventive Maintenance

The best way to handle water damage is by preventing it in the first place. Regularly check the storm drains on your commercial property and use extreme caution if any storms cause damage to the electrical structures of your facility. A clogged drain or damaged water line may not have any noticeable symptoms at the moment, but the right storm conditions could potentially mean a severe flooding issue later without appropriate preventive maintenance.

Sources:

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

https://www.buildings.com/landscaping-outdoors/article/10186711/3-tips-to-prevent-facility-flooding-from-heavy-rain-or-snow