Most Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

Rachael Eslao • September 10, 2021

The Six Most Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage in Central Maryland

Although many cases of water damage are experienced by US homeowners, commercial buildings are also susceptible to water damage. 

 

The devastating effects of water damage are well known. This will have a physical and financial impact on your business. The best way to minimize its damage on your business is to deal with it right away. Finding the right solution to fix water damage requires understanding what causes it.

 

Major Causes of Water Damage

Did you know that leaking faucets can waste up to 250 gallons of water per month? Think about how much money you waste every year on an unfixed leaking faucet if there are 12 months in the year. The following are the six most common causes of commercial water damage.

 

1-Damaged sprinkler system

Sprinkler systems and fire alarms are required in all commercial buildings for fire safety purposes. Only when the fire heat is too great should the sprinkler system be activated. Over time, however, the sprinkler can get damaged and malfunction. In this case, the sprinklers can get activated even without a fire, causing serious flooding in the building.

 

2-Roof leaks

From external elements such as the heat from the sun and rain, the roof should protect the occupants and everything within the building. However, a leaky roof has the opposite effect. As a roof ages, it becomes more susceptible to heavy rains and snow, resulting in water damage to your building's roof.

 

3-Broken HVAC system

In order to keep your building at the right temperature and ensure its occupants are comfortable, your HVAC system is essential. Additionally, studies have shown that your HVAC system can also impact the productivity of your employees. As with any other part of your commercial building, your HVAC system can also suffer from problems such as clogging and leaks. If you do not clean and maintain your HVAC system regularly, excess water in the compression tanks can cause water damage.

 

4-Broken equipment and appliances

There may be appliances in your building, such as a water heater, air conditioner, and washing machine. Furthermore, there are pipes within the building that can get damaged at any time and cause water damage in the commercial space. These equipment and appliances can cause major problems if they break and nobody notices it or if they leak in the middle of the night.

 

5-Damaged windows

Damaged windows are another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings. Rainwater and moisture can seep through windows, especially if they are not properly maintained and need to be re-caulked. This does not necessarily cause immediate flooding, but the drywall may be damaged and mold can grow as a result.

 

6-Natural disaster

Natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rain that cause flash floods can also cause water damage in commercial buildings. Rainwater can overflow clogged gutters and flow towards your building's foundation, increasing the risk of water damage.

 

Regardless of a business's size, water damage can be a devastating issue. Despite the fact that you cannot completely eliminate the threat of water damage on your building, knowing its most common causes will help you minimize the risk.

 

Listed above are reasons that could result in water damage to your business. If your company has experienced any of these reasons, contact Restoration 1 of Central Maryland

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