Property managers face many disasters that can ruin their business, including fire, flood, vandalism, and theft.
But few disaster scenarios are as damaging or widespread as a water damage disaster.
Water is a formidable enemy, and property managers are forced to deal with the financial and emotional fallout of water damage disasters every year.
Water damage is caused by water entering a building structure, causing a rise in humidity levels that lead to mold and mildew growth.
This is often the case with wet basements, which can occur from storm or sewer backup, leaks from appliances or plumbing fixtures, or high groundwater seepage.
Water damage disasters can be prevented if property managers are proactive and sensitive to water-related hazards.
Sensitive to the potential for water damage and aware of the cost to property owners, they need to ask themselves the question; what are the national restoration experts near me?
Contents
Ways to Reduce the Negative Impact of a Water Damage Disaster Include the Following
Use of a Water-sensitive Audit
A water-sensitive audit is a detailed examination of the property manager’s building that looks for common sources of water entry.
A good inspection will help identify at-risk areas and allow the property manager to make proactive changes to reduce the risk.
Identifying hazards such as roof leaks, damaged gutters, and broken seals around windows, doors, and electrical outlets can significantly reduce the chance of serious building damage.
These areas should be closely inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
Checking the Roof and Exterior
Property managers should regularly inspect the exterior of the building to check for water damage to masonry, siding, and windows.
These inspections should be performed during periods of extreme weather so that water damage is easily identified.
Soft, discolored, or spongy spots on exterior walls are common indicators of water seepage into the building structure.
Other areas to inspect include the roof, the attic, and floor and ceiling joints.
Identifying Water Sources and Leaks
Property managers should be vigilant in identifying water sources and leaks.
Running water is one of the most common causes of building damage.
Property managers should eliminate as many sources of running water as possible to prevent problems.
Some common sources include dripping faucets and broken or leaky pipes.
Common leaks occur in HVAC systems, plumbing, and appliances. These physical sources of leaks should be carefully inspected for repair.
If a leak cannot be repaired at once, the area should be sealed off to prevent further damage as much as possible.
Use of a Superior Waterproofing System
Waterproofing refers to the process of installing barriers that prevent water from entering a building structure.
Common types of waterproofing include paints, membranes, and coatings that seal cracks and joints in concrete, stone, and wood.
Property managers should consider installing waterproofing systems to reduce the risk of water damage.
Waterproofing has many benefits for buildings, including reducing the chance of mold, mildew, and mold growth, allowing for more effective energy conservation, and preserving the appearance of buildings.
Repairing Water-damaged Materials
Water infiltrates a building structure, and it can cause damage to the building’s interior material and exterior walls, floors, and ceilings.
Property managers should make a concerted effort to repair damaged materials when they are identified.
To restore damaged materials, property managers should perform a thorough overhaul of the area.
First, damaged carpeting or other fabric should be removed, cleaned, or replaced.
Walls should receive a fresh coat of paint, and the damaged drywall should be repaired.