Consequences of Water Damage in Office Buildings

What Are the Causes of Office Water Damage and What Are the Consequences?

Property managers of office buildings are often aware that water damage can be truly consequential. After a flood, your tenants who run the offices can suffer substantial losses to equipment, furniture, records, and even a loss of income from downtime in operations. Any of these can severely impact the company’s finances by creating a time-consuming restoration or work stoppage. 

As the office manager, it is imperative to understand the costs associated with restoration. Mitigation will affect a company’s finances, and the office buildings will require water extraction, cleanup, and renovation of the water-damaged building. The costs of these services can vary depending on the status and quality of the insurance that covers the property. The fees will solely be the property owner’s burden if the office is not covered under an insurance policy.

But there are far more consequences to this situation than just financial ones. Water damage in an office building can lead to poor indoor air quality and mold growth. These specific phenomena have been linked to detrimental effects on the health and well-being of employees. Studies show that employees subjected to poor air quality are two to three times more likely to develop respiratory issues. 

Tips to Prevent Costly Commercial Office Water Damage 

Proactive Measures

Regular Inspections: Schedule professional inspections at least annually to identify leaks, plumbing issues, and other potential water damage risks. Utilize leak detection methods like humidity monitoring and spot sensors.

Don’t wait for disaster to strike! Proactive inspections by licensed plumbers and contractors can catch minor issues before they become major headaches.

Look for signs of corrosion, leaks, or potential weak points in your plumbing system. Humidity monitoring and spot sensors can detect hidden leaks behind walls or under floors.

Preventative Maintenance Schedule: Implement a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes regular checks of:

• Roof: Inspect and recoat every five years to prevent leaks. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. Regular inspections can identify damaged or missing shingles, cracks in flashing, or clogged drains that can lead to leaks. Re-coating your roof every few years helps maintain its waterproof seal.
• Plumbing: Check for leaks, corrosion, and proper drainage. A well-maintained plumbing system is essential for preventing water damage. Regularly check pipes for leaks, signs of corrosion, and ensure proper drainage to avoid backups and overflows.
• HVAC System: Schedule regular maintenance to prevent condensation buildup and potential leaks. Your HVAC system produces condensation, which can lead to water damage if not properly managed. Regular maintenance ensures that condensate lines are clear and draining properly.
• Appliances: Inspect and maintain water-using appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and water heaters. Malfunctioning appliances are a common source of water damage in offices. Inspect hoses and connections regularly for signs of wear and tear. Schedule routine maintenance for water heaters to prevent tank leaks.
• Windows and Doors: Ensure proper sealing to prevent water intrusion during storms. Cracks or gaps around windows and doors can allow water to seep in during heavy rain or storms. Inspect and reseal these areas regularly to maintain a watertight building envelope.

Flood Warning System: Install a system to provide early warnings of potential flooding, regardless of your building’s location.

Even if your building isn’t in a flood zone, flash floods and heavy rains can still pose a risk. A flood warning system gives you valuable time to prepare, move equipment to higher ground, and potentially mitigate damage.

Insurance and Financial Protection

Review Insurance Coverage

Verify your property insurance policy includes adequate coverage for water damage, including flood insurance. Most standard policies do not cover flooding, so you may need to purchase a separate policy through FEMA or a private insurer.

Don’t assume you’re covered! Carefully review your policy to understand what types of water damage are covered and for what amounts. Obtain separate flood insurance if needed, especially if your building is in a high-risk area.

Understand Coverage Limits

Be aware of your policy’s coverage limits and deductibles to ensure you have sufficient protection in case of a major water damage event.

Knowing your policy limits helps you make informed decisions about additional coverage. If your business holds valuable equipment or inventory, consider increasing your coverage limits to ensure adequate protection.

Additional Tips

Clear Drainage Systems

Regularly inspect and clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to ensure proper water flow away from the building. Clogged gutters and drains can cause water to overflow and seep into your building.

Regularly remove leaves, debris, and other obstructions to ensure water flows freely away from the structure. cause water to overflow and seep into your building. Regularly remove leaves, debris, and other obstructions to ensure water flows freely away from the structure.

Employee Training

Educate employees on recognizing and reporting signs of water damage, such as leaks, stains, or musty odors. Your employees can be your first line of defense in detecting and reporting potential water damage. Train them to recognize the signs and empower them to report any concerns immediately.

Emergency Response Plan

Develop a clear plan for responding to water damage incidents, including shutting off water sources, contacting restoration professionals, and protecting valuable equipment. A well-defined plan can save valuable time and minimize damage. Outline steps for shutting off the main water supply, evacuating employees if necessary, and contacting qualified restoration professionals immediately.

Proper Landscaping

Ensure landscaping slopes away from the building to prevent water from pooling near the foundation. Proper grading and drainage are crucial for directing water away from your building. Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation, and avoid landscaping features that could trap water near the building.

Contact Puroclean for Commercial Office Water Damage Restoration Services

The professional restoration experts at PuroClean help commercial property managers whenever water damage strikes. Water damage from any leak is an issue best solved by professionals, so call your local PuroClean office when your property requires these services.