Water damage in the workplace can be a nuisance. You can easily come across some minor water leakage issues like leaky faucet or damage sprinkler systems within your workplace compound. This can be in the garage or at the fire escape. It is important to understand that even the minute concerns like these has the potential to bring the business to a standstill over time.
It is certain that unaddressed water damage issues at the workplace can add up to some hefty bills over time. As a property manager, it is your responsibility to understand and maintain the common sources of water damage in commercial properties.
Faulty appliances
Keep an eye out for a faulty dishwasher or a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker. These appliances are bound to break down at some point or the other in response to daily usage. Keeping these appliances in your routine service inspection checklist is a smart move.
Plumbing mishaps
Leaking pipes and plumbing mishaps at workplaces are almost inevitable. In addition to high water bills, these leaks even have the potential to cause some structural damage if it remains unattended for long.
For instance, water damages or leaks in garages often go unnoticed. Over time, these can develop into concrete spalling or concrete cancer.
Concrete cancer is a serious concern characterized by the rusting of steel reinforcing within the concrete. The concrete initially cracks which is called spalling and then the steel rods start to rust.
Concrete cancer once formed is really hard and expensive to alleviate. It spreads slowly but consistently making the structure weak with time.
Deteriorating foundation
Irregular maintenance of gutters can result in clogging and the water to channel through from the roof to the foundation. Consistent water leaks like this can cause the foundation to deteriorate over time. A good sign of a weak foundation is the formation of puddles and wet framings.
HVAC problems
HVAC systems responsible for heating and cooling regulations in the workplace can wear out over time and get damaged.
The HVAC condensate water which is a byproduct of the temperature regulation process gets collected in the collection pan. Since the HVAC systems are usually associated with several ducts throughout the structure, it can lead to corrosion and damage.
Sprinkler system leaks
Keep an eye out for wet drywall and carpets even if it cannot be directly related to a sprinkler on the roof, it might be from a duct leading to it. The moisture and dryness in the ceiling or drywall can create the perfect condition for mold growth, which can add to the headache.
Natural disasters
The unexpected and unwanted nuisance like flooding or a thunderstorm can never be off the charts. This is something that you can hardly prevent but can prepare for. Hiring a professional water damage restoration service is critical to ensure that your business is back on track in no time and doesn’t lose too many dollars.
Conducting regular checkup that relates to all these systems are the prime means of ensuring that you are one step ahead when it comes to dealing with water damages. Foresee these concerns and act accordingly to save both time and money.
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