The most important aspect of being a business owner is protecting your business. This is not only true in how you operate, but also the plans you have put in place to protect your business from floods and other instances. While floods can impact a business without warning, there are many things business owners can do to avoid costly damages when a severe storm or flood occurs. At Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas, we offer water damage restoration services to business owners looking to recover after disaster strikes. Here, we provide the best tips for preventing a commercial water leak.
Roofing
Roofs can become damaged through storms or heavy winds by taking off roofing shingles and other components. They can also hold heavy weights of rainwater from storms, which cause roofs to become moldy, damaged, or caved in. Smaller cracks and missing shingles can also allow rainwater to protrude into top-level floors, like attics. This can contribute to flooding or extensive water damage in your business.
Checking attic spaces for signs of a leak can tell business owners if they have a roofing issue. In addition, having your roof inspected annually can prevent issues from occurring if a severe storm or other circumstance hits. During your inspection, professionals can inspect the roof, check for damages and cracks, and come up with a repair plan. This saves costs from hiring commercial services to replace your roof if a water leak, flood, or other damage occurs.
Plumbing/Sewage Systems
Plumbing and sewage systems can easily burst or leak if not taken care of properly. This is especially true during the winter, as freezing pipes can cause damage and potentially lead to flooding. Items connected to plumbing and sewage systems can also leak, causing more issues and damage. This can include systems like:
- Water heaters
- Toilets
- Showers/bathtubs
- Toilets
- Washing machines
- Sinks
- Ice makers
- Dishwashers
Those with water damage from leaking pipes may notice dark, wet spots on ceilings, floors, or walls. They may also notice a musty, mildew smell protruding from building structures. Water leaks can also cause a rise in water bills each month. If this is the case, you’ll want to turn off your water main and contact a water damage restoration specialist as soon as possible. This means your business has a water leak somewhere within your plumbing or sewage system.
To get ahead of costly water leak restoration efforts, it can be a good idea to have plumbing and sewage systems inspected regularly. Professionals can check that systems are running as expected and have proper insulation for the winter months. This way, you won’t have to worry about costly repairs for flood damage.
Clean Gutters
Dirty, clogged gutters can also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a flood in your business. When gutters become clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris, this can cause water to overflow out of spouts which allows water to run down the exterior of your business. The longer water continues to overflow out of gutters, the more it can ruin walls, siding, roofing, and other necessary building structures.
Clogged, leaking gutters can also allow water to pool around the foundation of your business, which can cause cracks and damage. In turn, this can lead to water crawling into lower-level floors and floods overtaking your space. To avoid damages, regularly clearing and cleaning gutters can prevent a flood from occurring, avoiding expensive fees associated with flood clean-up.
Flood Insurance and Other Policies
Flood insurance is designed to cover your business in the case of a flood or other events. It can cover costs for commercial water extraction, repairs, and renovations. Depending on your policy, you may or may not have flood insurance coverage. This is because basic insurance policies for your commercial business typically do not cover floods or other similar events, meaning you must add them to your current policy. Discussing your options with an insurance agent can give you the information necessary to get ahead of flood damage and other circumstances.
Hire Transparent Restoration Services
Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas specializes in both commercial property restoration and residential services. Located in Carrollton, we are dedicated to delivering quick, transparent communication between clients. We use the most advanced techniques and technology available to provide quality restoration services to those across North Dallas and the surrounding areas. To learn more about water damage restoration, contact us today.
