Tips For Preventing Water Damage In a Commercial Building

Water leakage damage in your business may be devastating. Not only will it cost you a lot of money to clean up and get it repaired, but it will also slow or even shut down corporate activities. Water damage will cause your business to suffer, whether it's managing the diversion, sending employees home for cleanup, or losing equipment and documents. 

This article will show you what you have to look out for to avoid damages caused by water leaks in your commercial building.

You should identify leaks and cracks and get them repaired right away.

Here are the areas you should always look out for leaks and cracks

Windows and doors: Inspect your windows, storefront systems, and doors for leaks.

Improper drainage systems and roof slopes: When these get damaged, it will shorten the longevity of your roof and serve as a significant cause of moisture incursion. Leaks are also prevalent around exhaust or plumbing vents, rooftop air-conditioning units, or other specialist equipment.

External walls and joints: Have any cracks and gaps in these areas sealed—cracks in these areas are natural because of differential soil settlement.

Plumbing: Look for dripping pipes, including fire sprinkler systems, clogged drains both interior and outdoor, malfunctioning water drainage systems, and broken manufacturing equipment.

HVAC systems: checking your HVAC for leaks and damages is an essential component of sustaining a healthy, comfortable work environment. The HVAC system has several components, such as chilled water piping and condensation drains that might directly contribute to excessive moisture in the workplace and household. Furthermore, one of the system's functions in humid areas is to lower the ambient air moisture level throughout the structure. An incorrectly working HVAC system will not perform this function.

You may also need proper inspection and maintenance programs for your building. 

Periodic inspection should be part of your maintenance plan to prevent water leaks or drainage issues. Here are the areas where you need to do the inspection the most:

Flashings and sealants: Flashings, often thin metal strips seen around doors, windows, and roofs, are designed to keep water out of gaps where two building elements meet. Sealants and caulking prevent moisture from entering construction joints. Both must be well-maintained and in good working order.

Vents: All vents should have proper hoods, exhaust to the outside, and be in working order.

Manufacturing equipment: includes water for processing or cooling, ensuring that wastewater drains properly and without spillage. Examine the area around hot or cold materials or heat-transfer equipment for condensation.

HVAC systems: Commercial buildings are substantially more intricate. Examine the supply and return water lines, pumps, air handlers, and other components for leaks. Drain lines should be free of debris and clean. Other than specialized facilities, the relative humidity in your building should range between 30% and 50%. Condensation on windows, wet spots on walls and ceilings, and musty odors are all symptoms of high relative humidity. If you are concerned about the humidity levels in your building, talk to a mechanical engineer, contractor, or air-conditioning repair business to see if your HVAC system is correctly sized and in excellent operating order. 

Damp areas: You must clean and dry all surfaces where moisture frequently builds regularly.

Expansion joints: They absorb movement between bricks, pipelines, and other building elements. Water intrusion might occur if the expansion joints in your building are not in good condition.

Proper maintenance and periodic inspections protecting your building from damages caused by water breaks will be a piece of cake. Also, make sure to have your fire-rated access panels for plaster installed so that the maintenance crew can easily access the pipes or HVAC systems!

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson