Does your organization have any experience with water damage mishaps? Most business owners do not understand the amount of damage it can cause to their property. If you are also not aware of that, let us tell you! Leakage and every other form of water invasion in commercial buildings are not just mere inconveniences or wastages of resources.
The extent of water damage is severe, from worsened repair charges to health perils and a reduction in property worth. You need to know the primary causes of water damage and possible effects to protect your investment.
Henceforth, we brought you the top seven sources of water damage to business property. Ideally, after going through this trivia, you will know how these issues might harm your property and what measures to take if confronted with water damage risk.
So, let’s get started!
How Does Damage from Water Impact Your Property Value?
Loss due to water can have a huge impact on the building, affecting the value of your business. During the property assessment, potential buyers or tenants see signs of water damage as negative. Damage from water can lead to structural issues, mold growth, and a general decline in the building's overall condition.
The factors would lower the property's market value and, in the process, deter any potential buyer or tenant who may be interested in the property. Besides the above financial implications of water damage, it also poses a threat of smearing the property's image and the management of the property.
Damage by water, if not treated and controlled, will result in other complications in the property that will worsen the value of that property. Hence, there is a need to deal with and rectify the causes of water damage to preserve the value of the business's property.
7 Most Common Causes of Property Damaged by Water
Roof Leaks
Water damage in commercial buildings may be a result of water penetration through roofs. They also tend to depreciate over the years due to some causes like age, weather, or even the owner's negligence. When the roof fails to afford the building the right protection against rain and snow, they are allowed to penetrate through to the interior of the building.
The effects depend on the seriousness and duration of the leakage, and they may include mere stains, leaks on walls and roofs, and extensive damage. It is important for people to ensure that they conduct routine inspections on their roofs. Most of the time, repair work needs to be done in a timely manner to help prevent water damage.
Plumbing Problems
Leakage issues are also one of the major causes of water-related losses in commercial structures. Problems may range from a burst pipe to a leaking faucet or a faulty joint and may cause a lot of damage. Defects in plumbing systems, which comprise pipes and fixtures, may result from a number of issues, such as old buildings and structures, harsh winter seasons, or poor workmanship.
Another reason why check-ups and maintenance of pipelines are essential is that most problems are discovered in the very beginning. Proper installation and use of correct plumbing codes, together with enhanced quality of pipes used in construction, are also some of the ways that can be adopted to minimize cases of plumbing-caused damage to accumulative water.
Sprinkler Malfunctions
Sprinkler systems refer to the systems that protect commercial buildings from fire by providing them with automatic water systems. However, if these systems fail, the intended outcome is to cause water damage. Some of the common problems that may occur with these devices include leakage, valve problems or mechanical failure, and accidental launch.
Another problem that a sprinkler system failure may cause is the filing of large amounts of water in the building, which in turn causes serious damage. Regular checks and maintenance, as well as tests, ensure the correct work of sprinkler systems. Periodic checks on the heads of every sprinkler, testing for leakage, and replacing older parts can avoid sprinkler-related water damage.
Damaged Water Tanks and Mains
Water tanks and mains are essential to a commercial building's water supply system. Damage to these elements may lead to significant losses and water leaks. This has been attributed to many factors, such as corrosion of the tanks and mains and wrong installation, among other issues, including pressure buildup.
To avoid water damage, tanks and mains must be waterproofed, and leakage and other damages must be checked frequently, with suitable repairs and replacements. Pressure regulators to regulate the pressure applied to the equipment and corrosion-resistant materials are other effective measures that could be taken to lengthen the life of the above parts and avoid water damage.
Sewer and Sewage Backup
Sewer and sewage backflow damage water intake and pose health hazards to building inhabitants. An inadequate sewage system may result in blockage, overflow, or failure, which causes wastewater to back up in the building. Water stains may encourage bad smells, lead to contamination, and require massive cleaning and repair work.
Another way to reduce the potential for sewer and sewage backups is to have proper and constant Sewer Maintenance and Inspection. In the long term, using backflow preventers and addressing any indications of a clogged or leaking pipe as soon as possible will decrease the likelihood of water damage that results from sewage overflow.
Weather Events
Some natural calamities that lead to water damage in commercial buildings include floods, breakpoints, storms, and even hurricanes. In some situations, people should be very careful and assess their options because they can experience flooding, great wind, and hail, which may cause the roof to blow away, as well as broken windows and other damage to the building's structure.
Multiple steps can be taken to decrease the odds of having water damage to a building through weather conditions, including reinforcing the building structure, protecting the windows, and maintaining the drainage systems. Besides, an emergency response plan can benefit an organization in case a weather event occurs.
Appliance Malfunctions
Water damage may result from faulty appliances like a water heater, refrigerator, or dishwasher if they are not fixed as soon as they develop problems. Appliance leakage is usual, which leads to flooding in certain areas, and if not repaired on time, it will worsen on a larger scale.
That is why it is necessary to perform preventive maintenance and inspection on appliances from time to time to prevent water damage from developing. Water damage can also be prevented through proper appliance installation and quality parts.
Water Damage Risk Solutions Available for Commercial Buildings
Now, you may get an idea of the possible causes of water damage and how it can impact your property’s value. Here, the question arises: how can property owners protect their buildings from getting damaged by water? The perfect answer to this frequently asked question is implementing real-time water monitoring systems designed for commercial buildings.
Considering the impact of water damage, NOWi Sensors have designed top-notch commercial water monitoring solutions as a protective shield for your property. You get complete track of your water consumption, from abnormal water usage to leak notifications. With high-resolution sensors, our commercial solutions can help you master water consumption and enhance your property’s NOI.
Our catalog of innovative commercial water monitoring solutions includes NOWi Building Monitor, NOWi Pipe Monitor, and NOWi Flood Monitor. So, harness the advanced technology and bury the worries of severe water damage with NOWi Sensors.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the note, the property owners must understand the causes of water damage in commercial buildings to sustain their property value and prevent themselves from expensive repairs. Roof leaks, plumbing issues, and weather events often lead to significant damage, compromising both the structural integrity and market value of a property.
We recommend regular water damage inspections and preventive maintenance to address potential vulnerabilities before they escalate. Along with that, investing in advanced water monitoring solutions, such as those provided by NOWi Sensors, enables better control over water usage and early detection of leaks.
Not only do these proactive measures protect your investment but also ensure your property remains resilient, safe, and valuable over time. Safeguarding your commercial property with these strategies will help you avoid unnecessary costs of water bills and maintain a positive reputation in the housing industry.