Business owners like you understand how crucial it is to have your building at full function. However, unforeseen situations can cause water to damage one or several parts of your commercial property. Whether it’s a burst pipe, sewage backup, or a natural disaster that leads to problems in your property, you can’t afford to ignore it. You’ll need the help of a professional water damage restoration company to get your business back to its pre-loss condition. Here are 10 facts about commercial water damage that should convince you to act quickly the second your business suffers a water loss. 

Top 10 Facts of Water Damage Commercial Properties

1. Regular Maintenance May Stop Water Damage Accidents

While storms and heavy rains cannot be prevented, there are ways to help prevent things like burst pipes and drain line backups. Reaching out to your local plumber for an inspection can go a long way in helping you discover problems before they lead to a disaster. But it goes beyond plumbing. A roof inspection can alert you to potential leaks as well. Go the extra mile, and you could save yourself a lot of trouble (and money). 

2. Mold Can Grow Quickly After Water Damage

Mold is no joke. After experiencing a water-loss event, mold can start growing within 24-48 hours. Once it starts growing, mold can spread to other surfaces. This sets up a potentially unhealthy working environment for your staff. Luckily, professional water damage specialists know how to contain mold and remove it before it spreads any further. 

3. The Most Common Source of Commercial Water Damage Is Leaking Roofs

Are you seeing ceiling stains in our commercial building? This could be a sign of a roof leak. As water makes its way into a small opening in your roof, it will drip down into the inside of the ceiling and damage other areas as well. That’s why it’s so important to follow through with regular inspections and maintenance to catch these leaks before they can cause any further damage to your business.

4. Minor Leaks Can Lead To Major Problems

As a business owner, you can’t overlook small leaks. Over time, they can create major problems for your business, possibly leading to unexpected disruptions. Even small amounts of water can spur mold growth and rot that aren’t just unsightly but unsafe to work around. Don’t put off having minor leaks repaired. Get in touch with a professional water damage specialist to locate the origin of the leak and get any damage fixed. 

5. Different Building Materials Require Different Cleaning Methods

Different building materials and surfaces call for specific cleaning and restoration methods. There is no all-in-one solution to get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Materials like concrete are easier to salvage than more porous materials like flooring materials, which will likely need to be replaced. Our team knows this and won’t try to cut corners to speed up the process. Our top priority is ensuring all damage and materials are cleaned and restored properly. 

6. The 3 Categories of Water Damage

Water damage is classified under three categories—clean water, grey water, and black water. 

• Category 1 – clean water: This category denotes water damage that is free of contaminants. It’s typically the result of an overflowing tub or sinks. 
• Category 2 – greywater: This category refers to flood waters that contain significant amounts of contaminants. Overflowing toilets, hydrostatic pressure seepage, or a washer machine overflow can all result in greywater damaging your business.
• Category 3 – black water: This category is the most hazardous of the three categories. Black water is typically the result of a natural disaster or raw sewage backup that may allow chemicals and other harmful contaminants into your property. 

Related Article: What Is Water Damage? Water Damage Class and Categories

7. Contact Your Insurance Company Right Away if You Find Water Damage

One of the first calls you should make regarding water damage on your commercial property is to your insurance provider. Whether it’s an ongoing problem or a sudden occurrence, your insurance provider needs to know about it. They can help guide you through the initial steps to getting your property back to its former glory. 

8.  Your Insurance May Not Cover All Types of Water Damage

Unfortunately, not all types of commercial water damage are covered by your insurance policy. For example, flood damage is typically exempt from coverage. However, you can supplement coverage by taking out a flood insurance policy to cover all your bases.

9. Don’t Ignore Signs of Mold

Are you noticing unexplainable musty odors or strange growths on your walls or flooring? These are signs of mold infestation, and they can’t be ignored. Call for professional mold removal in New Jersey. You can also help your situation by turning your HVAC system off and opening windows to help your building dry out.

10. Time Is Essential

 The longer you wait to address water damage, the more extensive the restoration process will be. If you want to limit disruptions to your business, a quick call to a water damage restoration company can make all the difference. As soon as you know water damage is affecting your property—call for a free moisture inspection.

Bonus: Hire Only an IICRC-Certified Company for Water Damage Restoration

When it comes to getting your business back on its feet, you should only trust an IICRC-certified professional. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit organization that sets industry best practices and training programs for restoration specialists and similar professions. 

Northeast Power Dry—the Best Commercial Water Damage Restoration Contractor in New Jersey

Your business is too important to allow any disruptions to slow you down. Unfortunately, pipes burst and natural disasters can catch you off-guard, making it harder to conduct business as usual. Don’t let water damage stop you from moving forward—call Northeast Power Dry for emergency water restoration services. 

We serve communities throughout New Jersey, like Edison, Bound Brook, Bridgewater, nearby Plainfield, Piscataway, Woodbridge, Newark, Elizabeth, Lakewood, New Brunswick, and more. Our phone lines are open 24/7; simply dial (848) 244-8775 to get started.