Tips to Prevent Water Damage at Your Business
In the situation where your business experiences a burst pipe, flooding, or any water-related problems, you may have to close temporarily while you resolve the issue. Whether it is sending workers home for the restoration, or losing records and equipment, water damage will cause your company to take a hit. In such a situation, it also means lost revenue for your business. These damages can lead to structural damage and the growth of mold, which are costly problems. Below are useful tips on how you can protect your business from water damage.
1. Inspect Gutters and Drainage
The leaves and debris that enter your gutters and downspouts can damage the walls of your building structure if water damage occurs. It is important to have an expert inspect your gutters, drainage system, and downspouts on a regular basis. Make sure to clear out any debris that has accumulated. This will help make sure that the water is draining correctly and away from the building.
2. Insulate the Pipes
If the exposed pipes in your building are improperly insulated, it could result in plummeting temperature or cold drafts because of freezing water inside. This could cause flooding which can be costly or even structural damage. To prevent your pipes from freezing, you can insulate them properly. Using more insulation protects your pipes much better.
3. Repair Cracks and Gaps
There should not be any holes, cracks, or gaps in the foundation of your external walls. This prevents warm air from escaping your property and preventing cold air from entering. If you notice any of these issues, seal them right away. You can limit the occurrence of frozen pipes using caulking, sealants, and weather stripping.
4. Clean the Roof
Ice and snow can accumulate on the roof of your business, which can result in weakening the roofing materials and creating ice dams. Ice dams prevent ice and melted snow from draining. Ensure you remove ice and snow from your business roof on a regular basis to prevent structural damage. Also, make sure you know the load of your roof bearing capacity, and frequently check to make sure that ice and snow are not accumulating beyond the roof’s weight limit.
5. Maintain Heat Levels
Ensure you keep an eye on your company’s thermostat to prevent the pipes from freezing. Ensure the thermostat is always set above 50 degrees. Avoid major changes between daytime and nighttime temperatures, which can increase the danger of your pipes freezing. Make sure you replace the batteries regularly in the thermostat to ensure they are operating properly.
6. Inspect Your HVAC and Sprinkler Systems
Plumbing, sprinkler systems, and HVAC are the main causes of loss in businesses, even a minor water leak can lead to big problems. Inspecting regularly helps limit a loss of property and costly clean up.
Water Damage in Cedar Rapids
Experiencing water damage in your business can be devastating. Therefore, if it happens to you, it is vital that the water be cleaned and dried quickly. Challis Restoration Services provides quick 24/7 emergency service. When you need restoration from water damage in Cedar Rapids call Challis Restoration Services day or night and we will be there before you know it.