Commercial Water Damage Restoration

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding which Caused Water Damage

We use water every day. We play in it, bathe in it, drink it, and take it for granted as we use it for a million and one things. Water permeates our lives, but we rarely recognize just how powerful it can be. Frankly, most people do not give a single thought to its destructive capacity until the realities of water and flood damage make it impossible to ignore.

THE REALITIES OF WATER DAMAGE

Water can enter your commercial facility in a multitude of ways, and it does not take long for damage to occur. The presence of small amounts of water for even a short time in areas that are not intended to be wet can result in water stains, rot, warping and mold contamination. Sometimes that damage is readily apparent. In other cases, it is hidden away in areas that are difficult to see. Regardless of where the problem is, it is vital that you act immediately to protect your property. How should you tackle commercial water damage? With the likelihood of unseen damage and the ease with which mold contamination can spread, the best solution is generally to call in a professional restoration company.

SOURCES OF WATER DAMAGE

Whether it flows in through gaps in a commercial building’s envelope, escapes from internal plumbing or materializes out of thin air as condensation, water often finds its way into places it does not belong. Sometimes, a natural weather event is the culprit; a massive storm causes flooding, a wind event damages the building and lets the rain inside, or ice builds up and pushes melted snow under shingles and into the structure. It may seem counterintuitive, but fire is another source of water damage because water is intentionally introduced into the building to put out the flames. Plumbing issues like broken sprinklers, leaking pipes, hot water heater troubles and overflowing toilets are also common causes of water damage. Even high humidity can introduce enough moisture to cause problems.

SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE

The sight of water where it should not be is an obvious red flag. Other signs that suggest water damage include stains and discolorations on walls, floors or ceilings, surfaces that are buckling or warped, areas that are crumbling or rotten, and the pungent, musty odor of mold. Unfortunately, water damage can be difficult to detect because it often extends into unseen areas like inside walls and crawl spaces. Even if the primary flooding event occurs in an area that is readily accessible, water can seep into these hidden spaces, and if they are not properly addressed, you have an ideal recipe for water damage and nasty mold growth that can negatively impact the health of you, your employees and your customers.

DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE

If you suspect that you are dealing with commercial water damage, time is of the essence because any delay can result in damage that is more extensive. The premier water damage restoration company in the United States, SERVPRO can provide the assistance you need to get your commercial facility back in business quickly. When you call on us, our skilled technicians will:
• Conduct a detailed inspection of the property. This involves identifying the source of the water and getting it stopped, assessing the damage and noting any safety concerns, and moving furniture and other items to prevent stains and promote drying.
• Remove the water with vacuums and powerful pumps.
• Dry the space with professional-grade air movers and dehumidifiers. Tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras may be used to ensure hidden water is located and addressed.
• Clean and sanitize affected areas and items. Our water damage experts will use specialized cleaning techniques to restore any items that are salvageable and see to the proper disposal of materials that are beyond repair. They will also apply antimicrobial, antibacterial or disinfectant treatments as needed and deodorize the space to eliminate unpleasant odors.
• Restore your space to the condition it was in before the water damage occurred. This can involve installing new drywall, repairing or replacing flooring, and painting.
SERVPRO specializes in dealing with water damage and we are always close enough to answer your call. Offering 24/7 emergency services, we have the resources to respond quickly and the expertise to handle water damage events of all sizes effectively. To request our assistance or learn more about our commercial water damage services, call us today.