How Are Losses Reduced for Wet Commercial Buildings?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

The outstanding SERVPRO team can mitigate water damage to your Durham commercial property--large or small. Our Wall of Fame shows why

SERVPRO Commercial Water Damage Technicians Work Hard to Mitigate Water Losses in your Durham Business.

What should building managers do when water leaks occur in business premises?

A Durham business can differ from residential properties in both building assembly as well as size and contents. Business interruption due to a water intrusion issue can be painful for business owners because it can affect revenues and disrupt regular working hours. Our commercial teams are affiliated with local chambers of commerce and act quickly to return your business to a normal condition. We are aware of the differing types of everyday materials in commercial enterprises, and we know how to implement effective drying strategies to mitigate losses. As a company with access to national resources, we can mobilize both the equipment and the workforce required to respond; We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How does water damage affect commercial buildings?

When commercial water damage occurs in your Durham business, it is vital to guard against further damages through mitigation. Water intrusions present a two-fold problem to commercial buildings. The first is the migration of liquid water. The second is the migration of water as a vapor. Water vapors can spread moisture into hidden areas of business premises, which could develop into uncontrolled mold growth or the break-down of building materials over time. SERVPRO commercial technicians can investigate cavities, crawlspaces, subfloors, and ceiling spaces to assess or control the spread of water vapors through your business. In some situations, we may contain a water-loss site to allow the company to continue during the restoration. Careful signage and barriers can be placed to inform any staff of the works procedure taking place.

What parts of business premises require special attention after water losses?

• Wallpapers that are vinyl can trap moisture into walls and be a challenge to dry effectively.
• Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) are usually large and spread throughout premises making assessment and restoration challenges.
• Electrical power and water mains may have to be shut off at the source to contain or control water flow at the loss-site- forcing a temporary closure of the business.

Why are vinyl wall coverings in commercial properties tough to dry?

It is normal to find vinyl materials used in the building assembly of business properties. Vinyl can form a vapor barrier between any drying equipment and the walls behind. When there is evidence of moisture migration, either through liquid flow or vapor, the vinyl wall covering makes drying equipment less effective by trapping moisture. SERVPRO technicians have experience working with commercial build materials and detach the vinyl coverings to allow for dehumidification or drying equipment to clear the humidity's interior wall. Sometimes, removing a baseboard and drilling small holes beneath for cavity equipment is an effective measure to dry a wall void. Our crew chiefs can find the solution to your commercial property by relying on their experience and expertise to isolate and restore the property.

How are vinyl wall coverings and baseboards removed in a commercial restoration?

• Detach the baseboard carefully using a claw device to expose the lower layers of the wall behind the vinyl covers
• Drill small one and a half-inch holes in the bottom of the wall to allow air to circulate into the cavity behind vinyl wall coverings
• Attach an injectidry system, modified air-mover, or dehumidifier to the drill holes, and push warm, dry air into the cavity.

Are HVAC systems affected by commercial water intrusion?

An HVAC system distributes air throughout a business property. This process can be problematic when water vapor raises the natural humidity of the indoor environment. Equally, duct lines can frequently be exposed to liquid moisture residing in crawlspaces or other parts of the premises. Restoring these systems is challenging due to limited access points. Assessing and repairing the ductwork and decontaminating sheet metal is vital in returning your business to a safe working environment. Some ducts are coated with fiberboard or flex duct, which usually has to be replaced in contaminated water damage situations. SERVPRO technicians can remove, dispose, and replace these materials to return your business to its preloss condition.

How do inner materials in HVACs affect restoration?

• The type of material located inside a duct system plays a critical role in the ducts' ability to be restored.
• Ducts with fiberglass linings can absorb moisture quickly and become hotbeds for microbial growth activity.
• When there is the presence of mold or contamination in fiberglass linings, it may be necessary to subcontract an indoor air-quality professional to ensure safe and sanitary conditions.

Business interruption can be a nuisance and affect your bottom-line. Contact SERVPRO of North Durham at (919) 467-0880.