DK Environmental - The damage floods can cause to commercial buildings and the steps to mitigate it

What are the flood damage risks to commercial buildings and the preventive measures they can take?

Flood damage risks and preventive measures

Natural disasters such as cyclones, hail storms, and torrential rain can wreak havoc and cause severe water damage to commercial buildings. DK Environmental gives insight into the several risks that these weather phenomena can pose to commercial buildings and the preventive measures to control this damage:

The flood damage risks

1. Structural damage

Flood water can seep into the walls, floors, and ceilings causing serious structural damage to a commercial building. This water saturation can weaken the building and make it unsafe for habitation. For property owners, this can become a huge liability, pose insurance challenges, and entail massive and expensive repairs.

2. Mold infestation

As water saturates a property, it offers a perfect environment for mold spores to grow. Mold can grow inside floors, walls, cabinets, and even the air ducts if the water damage is not addressed. The presence of mold is known to have several health effects.

3. Concrete cancer

Steel bars or mesh are used to reinforce concrete in commercial buildings. In the presence of air and water, the steel bars or mesh corrode and expand, leading to ‘spalling’ - a cracking of surrounding concrete. This is concrete cancer that can spread swiftly and cause serious damage, if not arrested in time.

4. Content damage

Leaks from the roof, basement, and walls can cause irreparable damage to the contents of the property, such as furniture, equipment, electrical systems, and other items. Valuable documents and expensive items in the property can be ruined beyond repair if the water mitigation is delayed.

5. Reduced property value

In the absence of preventive measures and timely damage restoration, floods can severely deplete a commercial property’s value.

Preventive measures for commercial buildings

There are various preventive measures property owners can take to keep commercial buildings safe from potential flood damage.

Analyze the property: Every structure has some vulnerable spots that can give way under the impact of floodwater. Drain pipes, roofs, and balconies must be examined for any damage or loose fixtures. Particular attention should be given to flat roofs where rainwater can accumulate and eventually leak into the building. These weak spots should be identified and repaired in anticipation of floods.

Water-proof the basement: Basements that are not water-proofed can become the biggest source of water damage. An underground car park with leaking pipes or water damage, for instance, can cause cracks and damage to the surfaces, damage parked vehicles, and pose a safety hazard to occupants. Therefore, it is advised to caulk the cracks, patch foundation walls, and install a sump pump in the basement. Moreover, exterior excavation waterproofing, crack injections, and waterproofing from the ground up can flood-proof the building’s basement.

Grade the landscape: Improve the landscape to allow water to flow down and away from the property foundation. Downspouts should be positioned in a way that rainwater from the roof is dispersed far from the property foundations. This helps avoid any pooling of water near the structure and seepage into the basement.

Clean up: Stormwater backup can be avoided by removing all debris from the gutters, downspouts, as well as the roof and perimeter drains before the arrival of the storm.

Check the HVAC: The HVAC system must be elevated by securing with tight bolts and protected with a waterproof cover to prevent any power outages and electrical surges.

A professional assessment of the property for potential risks is a very effective preventive measure. However, in case of a flood water cleanup requirement, property owners can reach out to DK environmental for a professional and effective water damage restoration service.

Why DK Environmental?

Serving Washington's King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties, DK Environmental is a premier contractor that assists clients with water damage, mold, asbestos, or bio-recovery projects in both residential and commercial properties.

Offers 24x7 emergency services to ensure instant response and support.
Works directly with the client’s insurance company to streamline the claim experience.
Curates affordable solutions to meet client needs.
Partnered with Hearth to offer convenient monthly payment plans to fund the project, without affecting the client’s credit score. No prepayment penalties or home equity is required.