There are many things a commercial building owner has to think about daily that can easily monopolize most of their time. However, one thing that should always remain at the forefront of your mind is water damage and its effects on your building. Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems commercial property owners face. It can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, often due to severe weather conditions or malfunctioning equipment. In other cases, it can result from gradual leaks or condensation build-up over time.
Regardless of how it happens, water damage can seriously impact your business operations, customers, and employees in Tampa. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan to respond to any water damage emergency quickly and effectively. While you can’t always prevent water damage from happening, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the damage and make the restoration process go as smoothly as possible.
Here are some commercial water damage restoration tips to keep in mind:
- Take Inventory: One of the first things you’ll need to do is take inventory of what has been damaged. This will help you determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be replaced or repaired.
- Understand What Type of Damage Has Occurred: Assess the damage and figure out what has happened. Since not all water damage is the same, it’s important to understand the type of damage that has occurred so you can determine the best way to proceed with the restoration. Try and find exactly where the water is coming from and how far it has spread. This will help you determine what needs to be dried out, replaced, or repaired.
- Call Your Insurance Company: Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to help you determine what is covered under your policy and will send out an adjuster to assess the damage. They will rely on your initial assessment of the damage to better understand what needs to be done, so it’s important to be as accurate as possible.
- Hire a Water Damage Restoration Company: Once you’ve contacted your insurance company and have an idea of what needs to be done, it’s time to hire a professional water damage restoration company. These companies are experienced in handling all aspects of water damage restoration, from drying out the affected areas to repairing any damage that has been done. Because business owners typically don’t have the time or resources to handle a water damage restoration themselves, hiring a professional company is often the best option to ensure the job is done correctly.
How can a water damage restoration company help?
A water damage restoration company will first assess the damage to your property and create a plan of action. This plan typically involves bringing in industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas. Once the area is dry, they will then begin repairing any damage that has been done. This may involve replacing drywall, flooring, or other materials that the water has damaged.
Some common techniques that water damage restoration companies use include:
- Injections: Injections are used to fill voids and cracks with waterproof material. This helps to prevent further water damage and leakage.
- Carpet Cleaning and Repair or Replacement: If your carpets have been damaged by water, a water damage restoration company can clean and repair them. This includes removing any mold or mildew that may have formed and patching any holes or tears. They can also replace the carpet if that’s what is required.
- Deodorization: Deodorization is used to remove any bad smells that the water damage may have caused. This is typically done with industrial fans and dehumidifiers.
- Mold and Mildew Removal: Mold and mildew can form easily after water damage. A water damage restoration company can safely remove any mold or mildew that has formed and treat the affected area to prevent it from returning.
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing is often used to prevent future water damage. This involves applying a waterproof sealant to the affected area to make it more resistant to water.
They will also work with your insurance company to ensure all repairs are covered under your policy. Because these companies have experience dealing with insurance companies, they can help you navigate the claims process and get the most out of your policy.
Contact the experts for your water damage restoration
Water damage can be a major headache for any commercial building owner, but by following these tips, you can make the restoration process go as smoothly as possible. If you ever need a water damage restoration company, be sure to connect with your local commercial restoration experts. They can help you get your business back up and running in no time.
