Common Risks of Water Damage

A major issue with water damage is that a lot of it can be hidden, making it more difficult to correct at its start. For this reason, it’s always the best idea to contact the professionals for water damage restoration in Florida if your commercial property has, or is showing any beginning signs of, a flood or leak. They have the knowledge and tools to restore your property to its original condition and prevent some of the common risks that come with water damage.

What Causes Water Damage? 

Water damage is a common concern and has impacted many commercial properties. It can occur from several different sources, including: 

• Broken pipes 
• Leaking roofs 
• Condensation 
• Sewage backups 
• Worn appliances 
• Natural disasters 

Common Risks of Untreated Water Damage 

Dealing with water damage is not only a pain, but it can also pose several risks to your property if not addressed. If you ignore it for too long, you could face several concerns, including: 

Mold and Bacteria Growth 

Mold and bacteria can form even in the slightest cases of water damage. If this water damage is hidden, it can spread throughout your ventilation system and put you and your employee’s health at risk. Mold can also multiply after water damage and create dangerous variants, including black mold and aspergillus mold. 

Poor Air Quality 

As we’ve mentioned before, mold from water damage can get sucked into your air ducts and move this toxic substance throughout your entire commercial building, affecting the air quality. High humidity can also harm your indoor air quality and put those with respiratory illnesses at risk. The moisture allows for common allergens, irritants, and other toxic substances to cultivate and to fill the air.

Health Concerns 

Between the mold and bacteria growth, possible water contamination, and impacted air quality, you may be dealing with several health issues if you leave water damage undetected. Inhaling and exhaling toxic substances in the air for an extended period can cause an otherwise healthy person to experience symptoms such as: 

• Asthma symptoms 
• Stuffy nose 
• Chronic cough 
• Wheezing 

Symptoms may be much worse for those who already have respiratory issues. 

Infestations 

Rodents and insects are always looking to inhabit places with plenty of moisture. If you’ve recently had a flood or leak, your property will unfortunately be a hot spot for them. After experiencing water damage, you may notice pests hiding around your commercial building. Certain creatures, such as termites, can damage your property and require additional repairs.

Financial Security Risk 

Restoring water damage can be costly depending on how much of your property has been impacted. The average cost can be approximately $3,291, including remediation services and fixture replacements. Leaks can also waste thousands of gallons of water each year, spiking your water bill. 

The cost will continue to increase if the water damage is not caught in time, as the foundation will have gone through significant damage. If left untreated for too long, the cost of repairs will likely be greater than the value of the property. 

Electrical Hazard 

We all know water and electricity are a dangerous combination! Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, making electrocution a high-risk factor for commercial properties with water damage. Short circuits in flooded systems can also heat up and cause a fire. For your safety and the safety of your employees, avoid entering a water-damaged building until after the authorities have fully turned off the electricity.

Property Damage 

Your walls, flooring, and furniture are likely the first to become impacted in the event of water damage. Floods or leaks can deteriorate the padding of your carpets, cause tile and wood floor panels to loosen or warp and cause wooden components to rot. Within minutes, paperwork and other personal belongings may be completely destroyed in a water-damaged commercial building. 

Your property may become unsalvageable after months of untreated water damage, disqualifying you from insurance claims due to neglect.

Tips for Spotting Water Damage Early On 

Water can start damaging your property soon after it enters the building. Fortunately, there are some ways you can spot water damage quickly and prevent expensive repairs: 

Water Stains 

Stains on your walls, ceiling, or floors are one of the most obvious early signs of water damage. These often look like dark or discolored patches and occur from leaks in the roof or walls. You should also observe the corners where the wall and ceiling meet for discoloration. 

Musty Smells 

The humidity from excess water can start to make the building stink. This happens because the growth of mold and mildew can cause an unpleasant odor. A pest infestation from the extra moisture can also make your building smell bad, as many species emit several kinds of odors. 

Strange Noises 

We all know how dripping water sounds, but sometimes it can take on other deceptive noises. If you listen closely during the quietest moments, you may hear some strange noises that could be associated with water leaks. Some of them may even make scratching or rushing sounds. 

Soft Spots or Damaged Paint 

If you have wooden furniture or products in your commercial property, they will start absorbing water quickly and can begin to swell within hours. You also may notice some soft spots on your walls, or your paint may begin peeling off as water buildup causes it to bubble.

People are Suddenly Getting Sick 

If you notice more people in your commercial building are suddenly getting sick, it could be due to undetected water damage. As previously mentioned, growing mold and mildew can cause respiratory issues due to excessive allergens and toxins floating around.

What to Do After a Flood or Leak 

If your commercial property has experienced water damage due to a flood or leak, your next steps are crucial. Below are some of the basic things you can do to keep everyone involved safe and protect your property as best as you can: 

• Turn off electricity if it’s safe 
• Stop the leak at the source 
• Remove possessions that can be saved 
• Document everything 
• Evacuate the building 
• Call for help 

Looking for a Company That Provides Water Damage Restoration in Florida? 

If your commercial building has been impacted by water damage, there’s no time to waste. BlueTeam will quickly arrive to inspect, diagnose, and treat the area. Contact us today to request a quote!