Flood Damage Prevention Tips for Your Business

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause very serious issues to your business, whether it’s weakening the foundation of your business and causing structural damage or becoming a place where mold can fester. Excess water easily creates mold and mildew in the right environment, which may cause health effects very quickly. Here are some tips you can take to ensure that you and your business are prepared in case flooding occurs.

• Flood Prevention
• Keep your gutters clean
• Make sure there is good drainage surrounding your business. You do not want rainwater traveling anywhere near the base of your establishment. By keeping the gutters clean, it ensures that they will not overflow and cause the water to go where it should not be.
• It is possible to clean gutters on your own, but if needed, call a professional.
• If possible, the yard or area surrounding the building should be sloped downwards to avoid having water flow to the base of the building and collecting, where it can cause cracks in the foundation.
• Have your downspouts directed 5-10 feet away from the business to make certain the water is far away enough from the building to not cause damage.
• Fix all water leaks
• Check for any leaks within or around your business, whether it be pipes or appliances. Even if you see drips or any dark spots under pipes, be sure to fix those as well. It is important to identify any leaks before they develop into a serious issue.
• As previously mentioned, excess water can lead to dangerous problems like black mold or even termites, and leaks are just one this can happen.
• Keep pipes insulated and have the internal temperature of the building regulated to prevent the pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can crack and then lead to leakage.
• Replace roof shingles that are missing
• It is recommended that you inspect your roof at least once a year for leaks or missing shingles. Damaged shingles need to be replaced as well, and repair any cracked caulking.
• Snow buildup can cause structural damage and weaken your roof, clean your roof when there is snow or ice buildup to prevent this.

If serious flooding occurs, be sure to evacuate everyone from the building as quickly and safely as possible to higher ground and call the necessary authorities. Anything minimal can be cleaned up by a restoration company, like us, here at SERVPRO of North Nashville. If your business suffers from water damage even after following these steps, do not hesitate to call us! We are professionals at water damage restoration and mold remediation!